Precise location can be the key to success for location-dependent businesses. For instance, location data is crucial for logistics, retail, online delivery, e-commerce, tourism, real estate, and hospitality businesses. Daily operations of these businesses are dependent on how accurately they get location data, that too in real-time. An online food delivery business must have accurate location data of restaurants (so that the delivery person can reach there on time to get the order) and also the accurate Geo-location info of the customer who has ordered the food. Similarly, transport businesses can commit only if they get real-time GPS data of their fleets. Ride-hailing services too notify ETAs based on location data.
Suppose this data is not accurate and has flaws! What can be the consequence? Total Chaos, right? Without location data accuracy, these businesses will face operational complexities, chaotic situations, and ruined customer experiences. Location data accuracy means geographic info matches real-world places.
This article will look at location data accuracy, why it matters, its challenges, and ways to fix them.
Issues that Arise With Inaccurate Location Data
Keeping precise location data is essential in many location-sensitive business operations.
Inaccurate location data creates several issues, as below:
- Late On-demand Deliveries
- Poor Store Location Planning
- Poor Urban Infrastructure Planning
- Mess in E-commerce Package Deliveries
- Inefficient Emergency Response
- Inaccurate Navigation and Routing
- Misallocation of Resources in Disaster Management
- Unreliable Geotargeted Marketing Campaigns
- Compromised Personal Safety in Location-based Apps
- Incorrect Billing in Location-based Services
- Flawed Geofencing Applications
- Inaccurate Asset Tracking for Businesses
- Wrong Real Estate Listings
What Creates the Above Mentioned Location Data Challenges?
From mismatched address formats to ongoing geographical shifts, the hurdles are tricky. The government often updates postal codes. Streets may get new names, and the same may not be updated in Google Maps. Next comes the scenarios where address formats are inconsistent across locations. For instance, a particular region and a country may have their style of writing and tabulating addresses. Different styles with no standard format make it hard to create a reliable location database. Next comes the landmark issues. Without standard address issues, many parts of the world use landmarks to denote a particular location. This makes it hard to combine data from various places.
Officials, employees, and people can make mistakes when they type in information by hand. This can create wrong address issues.
Another location data inaccuracy issue arises when data comes from many places (multiple sources) and is not tabulated in a standard format. For instance, half of the data is in CSV, and the other is in HTML or JSON. In such a situation, there will be a mismatch that will lead to major issues.
7 Ways to Get Accurate Location Data
GPS devices, mobile sensors, and satellite images capture location data. After collecting raw data, algorithms process and refine it. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are key tools (mapping systems) that manage, analyze, and show geographic data.
GIS systems stack different info in two forms: vector and raster. Vector uses points, lines, and polygons to show features like cities, roads, and parks. Raster data uses a grid of cells, much like pixels, storing values such as temperature or elevation from satellite images. Putting this different dataset into GIS enables detailed mapping and spatial analysis.
This helps to examine how map features relate to each other, like studying how close parks are or looking at traffic patterns. These tools give us insights into spatial trends, which helps different sectors make better decisions.
Location data is important, and even Google uses it to improve location-based services.
To ensure the accuracy of location data and improve business operations, organizations can follow these seven key steps:
1. Location Data Collection (Extraction)
- Use many trustworthy sources to gather data, like GPS tools, phone sensors, and pictures from space.
- Set up ways to collect data in real time to get the latest info.
- Apply cutting-edge tech to make super-accurate maps.
2. Data Tabulation
- Create a common way to enter and store data from all sources.
- Stick to the same rules for naming things and writing addresses.
- Set up one main database to keep all the data organized the same way.
3. Data Cleaning & Processing
- Use computer programs to find and fix mistakes, things that don’t match, and copies.
- Apply smart computer systems to spot weird stuff in the data.
- Check the data regularly to make sure it stays good.
4. Location Data Integration
- Build APIs to connect data from different places without a hitch.
- Apply ETL methods to merge data from various formats and structures.
- Put data governance rules in place to keep integrated datasets consistent.
5. Data Verification
- Check collected data against trusted sources like government databases.
- Set up field checks for important locations.
- Get users to help gather and confirm location details.
6. Location Data Analysis
- Use top-notch GIS tools to analyze spatial data.
- Apply predictive analytics to guess possible changes in location data.
- Show data to spot patterns and odd bits in location info.
7. Data Updates
- Set up a routine to update data regularly to keep up with real-world changes.
- Put systems in place that spot and fix outdated info.
- Create a way for users to report mistakes and help make quick corrections.
By adhering to these seven steps, companies can greatly enhance the precision of their geographic data, which results in increased operational efficiency, more informed decision-making, and superior customer experiences in services reliant on location.
Businesses can also directly buy relevant and industry-specific location datasets from trusted sources like LocationsCloud that provide verified and updated location data that is 99.99% accurate.
Location Data Accuracy Improves Business Operations
Logistics
In the logistics sector, accurate location info plays a key role in optimizing routes, cutting delivery times, and boosting supply chain performance. GPS tracking allows for live updates, better fleet control, and less fuel use, helping companies foresee and stop delays.
Retail
Retailers use location data to place stores, manage stock, and connect with customers. This info helps study foot traffic, improve layouts, and choose new store spots. It also makes targeted marketing possible through location-based deals for shoppers.
Online Delivery
Location accuracy is key for delivery services, helping drivers find addresses and offer live tracking. This makes customers happier while cutting costs and boosting delivery capacity.
E-commerce
E-commerce depends on location data to give accurate shipping estimates and delivery. Companies use it to find the best spots for warehouses, set prices by region, and stop fraud by checking addresses.
Tourism
Tourism businesses use location data to make visitor experiences better with interactive maps, AR features, and custom itineraries. This helps control tourist crowds and showcase different attractions.
Real Estate
Location data helps real estate pros value properties, study markets, understand real estate trends, and create detailed listings. It’s key to assess neighborhood features, how close amenities are, and spot chances for development.
Hospitality Businesses
Location data plays a key role in the hospitality industry. Hotels use it to help guests find their way around and learn about nearby attractions and services. Restaurants apply this data to set delivery areas and reach out to local customers with special offers tied to their location. It also helps them manage multiple franchise spots.
Emergency Services
Emergency services need exact location data to save lives. First responders count on correct details to find incidents quickly and pick the best routes. Better accuracy allows 911 operators to spot caller locations with precision, which leads to quicker response times.
Urban Planning
City planners turn to location data to guide growth and make decisions about infrastructure. Location data in urban planning directly improves the outcomes. This info helps them study how dense the population is, how traffic moves, and how land gets used. This enables them to plan transportation and distribute resources well. It also backs up efforts to prepare for disasters and create smarter cities.
Wrapping Up
Precise location data supports operations in many businesses. Keeping this data accurate can be tough and, therefore, requires you to team up with trustworthy location data providers.
At LocationsCloud, we offer comprehensive location data, geospatial data, GIS data, etc., that we update regularly. We get this data from reliable sources, authentic sources, and reliable databases.
