How to develop a GPS navigation app like Waze and Google maps

Navigation apps have become very popular these days. The number of users of location-based services is expected to increase in the future. So if you're also writing a GPS navigation application, you're heading in the right article.

BIS Research reports that the GPS navigation application market is growing continuously and is projected to generate revenue of US $ 3.5 billion in 2021. Therefore, you can bring more benefits to your business by using navigation applications.

Waze and Google Maps are the two best known apps for Android and iOS in this area. They provide direction changes, lots of real-time data, and other features that make them even more attractive.

Concept of Waze

Waze is a premium GPS navigation app with some cool and useful features. It is the second most popular mobile app among users and only beats Google Maps. This allows users to receive real-time traffic information and use real-time maps and other traffic information.

Waze was the second most popular mapping app in the United States in April 2018. As of 2020, the number of monthly active users is 130 million. Waze's annual revenue is estimated at $37.7 million.

What is the reason for Waze's success? See how it works to learn more!

How does Waze works?

Users around the world use Waze to mutually improve their routes by sharing real-time data on road repairs and traffic conditions. Waze helps educate others about police traps, accidents, weather conditions, traffic jams, and more. The app immediately evaluates this data to make sure others can find the best route. Waze is the official navigation app for many taxi booking apps like Lyft.

Waze is conventional driven and differs from traditional GPS navigation apps in that it collects additional map and traffic data from the user. Collect data whenever the application is running. Accurate data for each nearest route is required to provide the shortest route. While driving, the app compares information about each possible route and provides the final route, depending on your choice.

Waze does not work offline and requires an active internet connection to upload routes. An internet connection is required to keep the map up to date and provide real-time traffic data.

Location based advertising Inapp is the advertising product of Waze. It is a location-based advertising platform for businesses that need to grab the attention of nearby drivers. While driving, you may see advertisements for restaurants, shops, and other areas nearby.

The most interesting fact is that Waze not only evaluates your region but also your destination to show the most relevant ads. The mapping app has created a system that allows local businesses to claim locations on the map by serving local advertisements and targeted messages to people driving cars nearby looking for a location.

What are the Key features of a GPS navigation app

1. Authorization

This is an important part of an app like Waze. Once registered, users can get a personal account to post reviews and ratings as well as communicate with other users. You can sign in with your email address and password, or you can sign in to a social account like Facebook.

2. Real-time updates

Displaying high-quality satellite imagery in the Real time update navigation app is enough, but Waze does more than that. Real-time updates from other users create a very efficient user experience. In addition, you can upload images and add notes to provide otherwise perfectly accurate data.

3. InApp Messages

If you want to open the Waze like navigation application, consider displaying more attractive user messages. Do you want to send them as push notifications or send them in chat? This can be done for the navigation application when the user enters a specific area or location.

4. Voice navigation

Drivers must not be distracted by maps. Turn-by-turn navigation is a must-have feature, and mobile GPS navigation apps are nothing without it. Voice navigation helps drivers hear prompts like where to turn, the route to use, traffic alerts and notifications when a better route is available. If you are distracted by voice navigation, you can disable this feature.

5. Social media integration

Integration with social networks For reasons of authentication, the application must be integrated with the social platform to provide social capabilities. Additionally, social media integration improves the user experience and reduces the security risks associated with authentication. This is because most of the possible security issues and vulnerabilities have already been maintained. It also does not force the user to create another account, but uses an existing account for seamless login.

6. Redirect

GPS tracking application forces the driver to quickly redirect the route in the event of a road accident or incorrect direction change if the driver is unable to follow basic instructions. To do. The driver does not have to wait long for the application to reanalyze the route. They quickly get the exact direction.

7. Geo-fencing and navigation

Maps form the basis of your navigation application. Use the GPS system to locate the user, identify the object, and show the way. Because it relies on information from the mobile operator, you can incorporate cell ID functionality into your application to reduce errors. When the team combines cell ID and GPS, the app's geolocation service will be accurate.

8. Payment

A GPS tracking app that allows you to integrate non-app purchases as a way to monetize. Partnerships are possible when the application becomes popular with drivers and additional service providers.

9. Carpool service

Carpool applications such as Waze like where drivers can get fuel for free. If the user goes in the same direction, it will be displayed on the screen. The driver and his companions share the price of gasoline for the trip. The boarding rate is set in advance with the rate offered by the Wazelike application. The app will automatically debit the credit card from your bank account.

10. Google Calendar Sync

Waze like app users can sync the app with Google Calendar to take more trips. Once Waze has access to the calendar, Waze will create a list of upcoming appointments in their area.

This is how the navigation app directs travelers to previously visited areas.

Follow these to build a GPS navigation app like Waze successfully

1. Research

This project begins with a thorough investigation to identify possible risks and weaknesses and promote success. The team should create a checklist to verify the quality of all application planning, building, testing, and deployment phases.

2. Choosing your tech partner

You must choose a mobile app developer to develop your application. In this phase, you explore, assess, and select the technical partner you want to work with to build your navigation app. NDA’s are an important part of the development of this app.

3. Meet the needs of your target audience

Today's users want smart navigation. They want the app to warn not only of traffic jams, but also of automatic speed cameras, for example. The latest smart apps must also alert the driver at the parking near the destination that there is enough space and display the gas price.

4. Add more handy features

Add as many useful functions as possible to your Wazelike navigation app so that we can provide perfect service to all our users.

5. Added the gamification function

The gamification function is used to encourage users to return to the application. Let's take the point system as an example. Users receive points for various activities within the app, such as sharing road data and distance traveled in the app. This score can be compared to the scores of other drivers.

6. User friendly UI design

The application buttons should be large enough to be displayed and easy for the driver to find and select. Focus on the basic functionality of the application. The user interface should contain only the components necessary for navigation.

7. Voice directions

Voice guidance makes navigation safer because users are not distracted by looking at their mobile phone screen. Make sure you play the spoken instructions at the right time. In this way, users can follow without distractions, such as looking at the mobile phone screen. The same is true if you send multiple notifications while browsing. Users will no longer receive notifications.

Application developers can use the Google Maps Directions API, which allows users to select and implement items from a list.

8. Explainer video of the app features

When you download a mapping application such as Waze for review, be sure to add a video that shows how your application works. Without this video, Google or Apple could reject the app and say they don't know why the app can play audio and run in the background.

How much does it cost to develop

The cost of GPS navigation apps like Waze is based on several factors including development cost, number of features, and project complexity.

If you want to keep the economy going, start with something smaller and simpler. For example, you can develop an MVP first. It gives you a rough estimate.

Concluding with

GPS navigation apps help users find easier ways to get to their destinations, check road conditions, and report problems. In addition, many companies are looking for opportunities to interact with users of navigation applications through advertising. However, if you want to build a web browsing app like Waze, then follow the tips in this article to make your app popular with users or consult a mobile app development company for a better experience.