The location-based apps are some of the more popular varieties out there today.. Because of this, a lot of developers are looking to jump on that train. However, going about custom location-based app development is a delicate matter, especially if you want your product to be successful. 

The number of uses for these types of applications is endless, which makes the skill of building them heavily sought after. Custom location-based app development also requires knowledge about what they are and how to properly apply them to the apps that they originate from according to Weelorum. So, if you're looking for information concerning what they are and how they're built, look no further than the place you are currently at.

Quick outlook on location-based applications

A location-based app gives users the ability to find services that are closest to them or just areas that have the company's banner. This is done by using a mobile device's Wi-Fi or GPS. What makes this type of app particularly unique is the fact that it leans into a user's location using geo-mapping.

In doing so, a customer's experience is that much more convenient. As you can imagine, there's a lot more to discuss when looking at location-based apps and the following represent them in a nutshell.

Types of location-based applications

When we look at this type of application, it should come as no surprise that it has many uses. Some of the most common apps under this umbrella are designed for the following:

• navigation/delivery

• social media 

• health and fitness 

• dating 

• travel

• marketplace

Each of the above applications uses geo-mapping technology in different ways. For the most part, these apps use the geolocation of the user to do any of the following:

• track a delivery

• find a hotel

• find a perfect match and

• find an ideal route to go somewhere

The only exception to this rule would be the social media apps, which often use this technology to gauge whether or not a piece of content can be viewed overseas. Social media apps are also not as dependent on geolocation technology, which is why it is optional on some networks.

How sought after they are

Just by looking at the types of applications that fall under the location-based umbrella, you can tell that the demand is high. Some of the most popular apps out there are location-based and have generated billions of dollars in revenue. As long as you have a worthwhile product in development as well as a sound strategy, you should have no selling your product.

How are they built?

Just like any other application, the creation of anything location-based follows more or less the same structure. They do differ from others in one key way that we have already discussed. How does this affect how to build one? Let's find out by looking at the steps that must be followed to get started.

Step 1: Research

This can be seen as the most important part of the process as it is here that you get to know everything about the app before it is even made. The most important thing about this stage is looking into the marketplace to see what is needed. It is understanding your target market that will allow you to formulate a winning idea. Other things that should be finalized at the end of this stage include:

• budget

• potential partners

• all app features

Step 2: Map integration and accompanying tech stack

Irrespective of what your app is going to do, all location-based apps are built around the same thing and that is geolocation technology. Building this from scratch can be too much of an undertaking, which is why ready-made maps are usually integrated into your app.

This will allow you to not only see your location but see where the service in question can be found. You can also calculate the time to get there.

Step 3: Creating and testing the prototypes

Now you can begin building your app, which is something you can simply outsource to the right, experienced developers. Once they are done with the build, the rough app should be tested in real-world scenarios. In doing this, we can see whether or not the app needs some improvements.

Step 4: Clean-up and actual development

The Prototypes are not going to be sent out into the world after initial testing. Instead, they will be worked on even more. This time especially to see if any of the special features are worth adding.

If that is the case, the development of the app can truly begin. At the end of this stage, the finished app will go through further real-world testing and clean-up to see if it is ready for launch.

Step 5: The launch period

With the product finally finished, you can put it out there for the world to see. However, this isn't the last bit of work to do and it never stops. This is because of the ever-changing state of technology. This means that the apps will always have to be updated following what is happening in the devices that use them.

Any new features will also have to be presented in the same way. Fortunately, location-based apps act as further communication points between users and developers, which means you can always let customers know when change is coming.

Final thoughts

Having read and understood all the above, you are probably thinking that building your location-based app is something you want to get into. However, like with all things, it isn't that simple and a lot of planning and funding goes into the whole project. It is important to find out whether or not any of the suggestions are feasible before proceeding.

Even with all that research under your belt, you have to execute your vision and make something of high quality. The one thing you should always expect is the immense competition in this field. Many developers are coming out with their creations in the hopes that something catches on and takes off. Because of this, you should always keep your finger on the pulse, and in doing so, you stand as much of a chance.