Location platforms provide SDKs, APIs, debugging tools, dashboards, and analytics for developers to build location-based experiences. With a location platform, developers can not only take advantage of SDKs and APIs, but can also have a data management experience that can include the ability to debug locations, manage geofences, view and analyze location data, integrate with other platforms, and upload and view POI (points-of-interest) data.
Location platforms have similarities to geofencing software, but go beyond this to offer more advanced features for developers. Many of these features mirror those of an API platform, but specifically tailored to aid in location tracking, intelligence, and reporting.
Common experiences built with a location platform include order-ahead and pickup, curbside operations, delivery services, fleet tracking and logistics management, workforce management, in-app location-based experiences, location-based marketing, store locators, location verification, and location fraud detection.
To qualify for inclusion in the Location Platforms category, a product must:
Integrate into software or apps via an API or SDK
Support device tracking with events for key activities like arriving in a geofence, known POI, or approaching a destination on a trip
Provide webhooks and/or built-in integrations to third party platforms to allow for event actions based on location
Provide location infrastructure APIs including geofencing, trip tracking, geocoding, routing