2024 is already shaping up to be an exciting year for software developments, and with ongoing technological evolution, new trends and tech are constantly emerging.
From generative AI to datafication, the software industry is rapidly changing. This article will discuss software trends to be aware of, and the important role geocoding has today and will have in the future.
What Is Geocoding?
Before getting into the top exciting software trends, let’s briefly touch on what geocoding is to shape your understanding.
Simply put, geocoding is the process where a text-based location description (like an address or name of a place) is turned into geographic coordinates like latitude and longitude.
Geocoding plays a vital role in software, as it powers location-based features and data analysis.
For example, if you’re using a food delivery app, geocoding will help the app to automatically detect your address, offering a seamless delivery experience.
But it’s about more than just getting your food delivered to your door. Geocoding fosters a connected society.
Tourists can explore new cities thanks to augmented reality, emergency responders can easily find someone in trouble, and individuals may discover new shops in their area.
The Top 8 Software Trends With Geocoding
The potential of geocoding API is immense, especially when it comes to navigation.
Here are some of the top software trends with a focus on geocoding:
1. Augmented Reality
Navigation just got better than ever with the incorporation of geocoding.
Navigation apps can now incorporate augmented reality, allowing users to see location information overlaid with their actual surroundings.
This will completely transform how people explore new cities and navigate new areas.
Voice assistants are nothing new, with Alexa and Siri becoming household names.
But, by integrating geocoding API into navigation systems, users can get around using natural language commands.
The days of typing an address into a search bar might almost be behind us. Nowadays, you can simply ask your device, “Please show me the quickest route to a nearby grocery store.”
Geocoding API can analyze your historical data and preferences and anticipate your needs. It will then make suggestions as to where you might want to go.
For example, if you’re always heading to the same store at 5 pm on a Monday after work, your app may suggest a route to this store, taking traffic into consideration, without you ever asking to go to the store.
4. Smart Homes
Smart homes are becoming increasingly common, with smart lighting, thermostats, and robo-assistants found in many houses.
It’s estimated that by 2028, there will be 103 million users of smart homes in the US. Today, geocoding can also be integrated into these systems.
That means you can ask your smart home system to plot a route to your favorite restaurant where you’re heading for dinner, and the speaker will reply with exactly how long it will take to get there, what time you should leave, and the best route to take.
5. Location-based Social Media
Geosocial networking is a kind of social networking process where geographic information is used or shared on social media.
This has been around for a while, with users “checking in” to locations on social platforms.
This trend is set to continue, with users now being able to discover nearby businesses or events based on their location.
6. Personalized Marketing
Businesses can use geocoding to target ads to users based on their location. For example, if you’re browsing Facebook, you might get an ad for a restaurant just around the corner from you, or you may get a discount coupon for a store you just walked past.
7. Location-based Games
Pokemon Go took the world by storm a few years ago. This game is just one example that uses your phone’s location (powered by geocoding) to play.
Many more augmented reality games are being released that overlay a virtual world on your real location.
8. Hyperlocal Delivery
Delivery apps won’t be effective without geocoding. It allows you to be matched to delivery services close to your location.
Although these apps have been around for a few years, their location matching is becoming increasingly accurate, with parcels or food being delivered right to your doorstep (without you ever providing your address).
Final Thoughts
The software trends and developments discussed above would not be possible without a reliable but versatile geocoding API like that offered by Radar. Their geocoding API offers 100% coverage in the US and is a cost-effective solution.
More and more software is incorporating geocoding into its key features, and it is an exciting space in the industry.
Game developers, smart home devices, the Internet of Things — all these niches are evolving, and we can only wait with anticipation to see which revolutionary software development is next on the horizon.