In an increasingly interconnected world, the importance of knowing one’s exact location or that of loved ones and valuable assets has risen manifold. Location monitoring apps with modern technology have improved our ability to reach pinpoint accuracy in geolocation. These apps give users real-time information and a sense of security, whether it’s for safeguarding the safety of family members, tracking a company shipment, or even identifying a misplaced item.

Let’s explore this article. We have examined the reasons why location-based apps are important, studied the technology behind them, and identified the best location-tracking experts of 2024.

How do Best Location Tracking Apps function, and what are they?

Location Tracking Apps utilize different technologies to decide and follow the location of a device, generally a cell phone or tablet. These applications can fill numerous needs, from route and area-based administrations to parental controls and fitness tracking.

Here’s how they function:

GPS (Global Positioning System)

• The most common technology used is GPS, which relies on signals from satellites.
• A device with GPS capabilities can receive signals from at least four of these satellites. Using the time it took for each signal to reach the device, it triangulates its position on Earth.
• The accuracy can be up to a few meters, but it works best in outdoor settings with a clear view of the sky.

Cell Tower Triangulation

• When a device cannot get a strong GPS signal (like indoors or in urban canyons), it might use nearby cell towers to determine its location.
• The phone communicates with multiple towers and uses the signal strength from each tower to triangulate its position.
• This method is less accurate than GPS, providing a general area rather than a pinpoint location.

Wi-Fi Positioning System (WPS)

• Devices can use nearby Wi-Fi networks to determine location.
• Databases have been created that map the locations of millions of Wi-Fi networks. By identifying which networks are nearby and how strong each signal is, the device can approximate its location.
• This can be surprisingly accurate, especially in urban areas with many Wi-Fi networks.

Bluetooth & Ultra-Wideband (UWB)

• For more precise indoor tracking, devices can use Bluetooth and UWB.
• These technologies work by measuring the signal strength or time it takes for a signal to travel between devices.
• It can provide accurate positioning within a few centimeters, making it useful for applications like item trackers.

Inertial Sensors

• Modern smartphones come with a set of inertial sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers.
• These sensors can track movement and orientation. When combined with other positioning methods, they can help improve location accuracy and predict movements.

Concerns with Best Location Tracking Apps

Privacy: Continuous location tracking can be a significant privacy concern. Users need to be aware of which apps have access to their location and for what purpose.

Battery Consumption: Continuous tracking, especially using GPS, can drain a device’s battery quickly.

Accuracy: As mentioned, some methods are more accurate than others, and environmental factors can affect performance.

1. Google Maps

Credit: Google Maps

Google Maps is a renowned navigation application that offers immediate traffic details, step-by-step route directions, and a three-dimensional view of streets. It lets users bookmark their cherished spots and broadcast their whereabouts to acquaintances and kin.

Key Qualities

• Vocal route instructions
• Instant traffic alerts
• Three-dimensional street visuals
• Maps for offline use
• Compatibility with Google’s Voice Assistant

Click here to : Download

2. Life360 

Credit: life360.com

Life360 is an app focusing on family location. Users can establish a private group with close ones.

Key Qualities

• Share whereabouts within the family
• Detection of accidents & immediate aid
• Alerts on battery status
• Past location records
• Safety measures for drivers

Click here to : Download

3. Glympse

Credit: glympse.com

Glympse lets users communicate their position momentarily to anyone for a set duration.

Key Qualities

• Immediate location sharing
• Past location records
• Predicted time of arrival
• Messaging app compatibility
• Feature for auto check-in

Click here to : Download

4. Life360 Driver Protect

Credit: life360.com

Life360 Driver Protect is an enhancement for the Life360 app, offering extra safety functionalities for those behind the wheel.

Key Qualities

• Accident detection & rapid aid
• Support on roadsides
• Driving feedback
• Share locations & evaluate safe driving
• Over-speed alerts & driving guidance

Click here to : Download

5. Sygic GPS Navigation

Credit: sygic.com

A top-tier navigation tool, Sygic GPS Navigation offers offline map services, vocal route guidance, and traffic notifications.

Key Qualities

• Maps & routing without internet
• Immediate traffic details
• Alerts for speed cameras & parking tips
• Up-to-date fuel cost data
• Sync with in-car systems

Click here to : Download