Geolocation is a technology of using data obtained from an individual’s device (mobile or
computer) to identify an exact physical location. Using this technology, two data types are
collected – Active user or device-based information and Passive server-based data
correlation. These two data are cross-referenced to get the final and accurate result.
Active or Device Based-Information: This type of data gets collected from the
user’s
software on their computer or mobile device. When working with cellular and satellite
networks, active trackers continuously emit a signal that is processed. This processed signal
delivers an individual’s geolocation data in a real-time. This data collection process is
dependent upon GPS and cellular networks.
Passive or Server-Based Data Correlation: Time is the major difference between
active and
passive data collection. The passive collection doesn’t provide real-time updates. In this,
geolocation data is collected silently and stored until it needs transmission or downloading.
It gives real-time information on the user’s location. With the continuously evolving
smartphone users available in both iPhone and Android markets. The importance of
geolocation will significantly rise.
Since a user’s device is continuously actively or passively collecting data, geolocation data
can share a defined amount of the user’s personal information. It clearly identifies the user’s
physical address, its exact longitude, and latitude at a time.
What are Different Geolocation Methods?
Geolocation methods is categorized into four major categories:
Geocoding: It includes a specific address associated with map
coordination. Let’s
take an example; If you search for an address or type in a place name, you will see a
market in the exact location on a map.
Geo-positioning: It is also known as Georeferencing, which determines the
geographical position of an object. The information is achieved via a GPS tracker and
provides real-time information.
Geotagging: This process includes adding a geographical location to your
social
posts, photos, or videos.
Geofencing: This allows targeting consumers depending upon their real-time
location. With this method, you can set your own boundaries for your business, like
a one-mile radius. When the customer enters geofence/boundary, push
notifications, text messages, and social media campaigns are automatically triggered.
How Brands Can Benefit from Geolocation Data?
Geolocation can provide brands and businesses with the utmost benefits:
Targeting and segmenting Customers: While implementing a data-driven
strategy to define
a target market, the business relies on data obtained from customers through direct
customer interactions using multiple touchpoints. With precise customer geolocation
information, making a regional analysis and targeting a physical location is easy. You can
easily attain high conversion rates with personalized messaging and regional-specific
offers.
While planning business: Location-based market segmentation helps predict a
physical
store’s performance. The analysis is done through area suitability in terms of proximity to
competitors. By understanding the distance between competitors and customers, you can
easily determine potential opportunities for store expansion or closures or Click and
Collect
services.
Fulfillment of Delivery: Sometimes, simply having customer addresses isn’t
enough to reach
customers. Additional information along with address requires by logistic companies to
make efficient delivery of parcels and keep the transportation cost to a minimum. Property
tracking based on the radius also eliminates the chance of fraud and ensures smooth
deliveries. Using geolocation with a valid postal address will help track any hindrance in
advance.
Increase overall sales: By collecting and analyzing customer geolocation
information, brands
can double their marketing plans by targeting their key clients and maximizing their sales.
Measurable results: Using geolocation, businesses can easily track customer
movements
and understand their sales in a particular location.
Risk Assessment:
Before stepping into the market, it is imperative for any business to
conduct a thorough analysis using geolocation analytics. Because getting into the market
unprepared will cause heavy losses for the business. Geolocation tools help to undertake
different risk assessments in multiple areas. Data collected through this method will help
evaluate how profitable the area is for your business. You can get access to customer trends
and patterns, competitive behavior, and other aspects that might negatively impact your
business if not taken into consideration.
Different Sectors Benefitting from Geolocation Data
Retail Outlets: In the retail sector, geolocation data plays a significant
role in the deep
understanding of customer’s behavior and the performance of customized offers. The
collective data obtained from this technology help marketers determine the most visited
place for their stores, different marketing channels’ efficiency, optimize the display and
goods arrangement on the shelves inside the stores, and much more.
Shopping Centers: This data helps shop owners track their stores’
performance. In addition
to analyzing their customer’s behavior and optimizing traffic influx, they can easily
monitor
the working of their staff members, evaluate task execution by employees, and act within a
stipulated time if there is any emergency.
Logistics and Warehouses: Today, with a geolocation analytics platform,
tracking assets and
goods, employees’ performance, and managing day-to-day operations is no more a hassle.
Warehouse owners benefit from all types of analytic reports it generates and automate the
warehouse operations.
Healthcare: When it comes to healthcare facilities, hospitals, clinics, and
polyclinics are
extremely benefitting from this application. Geolocation data analytics give a brief
estimate
of hospital occupancy, occupancy status of every ward, and admissions forecast. It also
provides deep information related to occupancy rate, hospital equipment, usage, any faults,
and location.
Offices: In the case of offices, location-based analytics give insight into
employee
performance. It gathers information on several real-time actions of employees and also
monitors staff members, tasks and duties, office performance, and optimization of the
business working processes.
Museums: Museums do also get benefits from geolocation data. It provides
detailed
information with respect to visitors and their behavior. The information gathered is:
- Average time spent by
visitors inside the museum
- The most visited
exhibits
- Most crowded halls
- Regular and one-time
visitor
Conclusion: Thus, to conclude, in today’s era, where everyone is looking to
stay ahead of
competitors, getting geolocation applications and services is a boon for the brand. It adds
significant value to customers and businesses. Understanding the role of geolocation
analytics platforms will ensure pinpointing all the advantages of geolocation in the future.
For more information, contact Actowiz Solutions now! You can also reach us for all your mobile app scraping and web scraping services requirements.