How to Build a GPS Navigation App

GPS navigation apps are essential tools for most smartphone users. Most people use these apps to move around new places and get live traffic updates when commuting to and from work. The top navigation app globally is Google Maps followed by Waze. Although Google Maps is a standard pre-installed app on Android phones, it was the most downloaded navigation app in 2020, while Waze had 11.22 million downloads. If you are looking to build a quality app like these two, follow these steps.

Hire an App Development Team
To build the navigation app, you need an experienced team to handle the task. You'll need to hire a project manager who is responsible for developing the app-building plan, a software architect to handle the technical aspects, and a business analyst to collect all the requirements and document company operations. Once you have a team in place, you need to explain your high-level plan and objectives for the project. This will help the team execute their specific tasks.
Research and Document the App Requirements
To build a new navigation app, you need to gather a lot of information. The business analyst should gather information about the app's functional requirements. This includes information such as how the app will use mobile data and WiFi, the types of algorithms it will use, user authentication, security, integration with social networks, performance, and scalability. Once you have gathered all the requirements, the project manager can get the necessary approvals.
Choose the Right Tech Stack
When developing a navigation app, you need to include a combination of technologies used to run or build an application, commonly known as a tech stack. For native Android development, you should use Java; for native iOS app development, use Swift. You might also need other technologies such as Geofencing API from Google and region monitoring API from Apple. Select the right tech stack to build a successful app.
Plan the App Development Process
After picking the tech stack, you can plan the project in detail. Come up with a plan to recruit competent developers, a communication and quality management plan, and an estimate of the overall costs. In addition, you need to have a security plan to mitigate vulnerabilities.
Hire an Experienced Software Team
You need Native iOS and Android developers, UI designers, testers, and engineers to develop your app. Ensure that you hire competent individuals who can develop a fully functional navigation app. When Loan Center, a company that issues title loans online, was launching its app, it recruited developers from reputable software development companies instead of freelancers. Unlike freelancers, full-time developers provide app support when the company needs it.
Monitor the Project
Statistics show that 9,999 out of 10,000 (99%) mobile apps fail. One of the reasons for failure is poor monitoring after the app has launched. For your navigation app to become popular, you need to test it for bugs and monitor its performance regularly. That way, you can take corrective measures immediately.

There is a ready market for GPS navigation apps. Take advantage of this and build a quality app. Launch a navigation app that competes with Google Maps and Waze.