By now, some of you might have perceived the idea and purpose of a web geolocation API. If you aren’t aware, a geolocation API is primarily used to derive user locations. In technical terms, a Geolocation API bridges the gap by communicating between client devices or applications (client-side), and an application or service (server-side) that restores information focused on the client’s geographical position. Ancillary information like the currency, time zone, country, and related ones can be obtained through geocoding.
The main function of the API can be observed when the need arises to configure a web or mobile application focused on the user’s location. And, some of the regular instances include real-time navigation and geotracking, offering contextual promotions, incorporating user security checks, and customizing content focused on specific regions.
One vital thing to note is, no Geolocation API store the information to itself. It put forwards the ability to accumulate information from the device being interrogated. The sources from which the location is collected are GPS, IP address, Bluetooth, WiFi, RFID, and so on.
Top Ways to Operate the Geolocation API
To be able to swiftly use the Geolocation API, follow the below key ways.
- Geolocation API Helps Generate Location Aware Services
There are two vital functions of a Geolocation API – generating the user’s present geographical location and scanning the user’s location when it changes from one place to the other. This API is also beneficial in offering location-aware services to the end users.
To explain this, a clothing brand can leverage the end user’s location to convey to them the news about the latest branch opening. Similarly, a travel or hospitality brand may use location to provide them information between the user’s location and destination. The work of even the best Geolocation API is to provide information about the user’s location, the utilization solely depends on the application requirements.
- The API Incorporate Longitude and Latitude Coordinate System
It is not possible to use the addresses of two locations for calculating the distance between them. No matter how accurate and comprehensive the information of stress address, city, country, and postal codes are, it cannot be utilized for calculations. Therefore, Geolocation API or other open-source API focuses on the latitude and longitude for drawing the result.
- The End User Controls the Location Sharing
Using Geolocation API on the webpage doesn’t lead to success in deriving information. The reason is, it depends on the user to permit the browser to deliver the location information. You might have already encountered this phenomenon while browsing any webpage and noticing the browser prompting you to provide access to the geographical location. Post permitting the location, the browser stores your preference for future uses. Yes, you do have the option of changing the preference whenever you wish.
- getCurrent Position() Sanctions Capturing User Location
For retrieving the user location at any point in time, you can utilize the ‘getCurrent’ approach. This method obtains a triumph operation, an error function, and a set of formatting options. As can be understood, success takes place when the user has successfully permitted the location access. The error function takes place when any mistake is traced while restoring the location.
- watchPosition() Enables Observance of the User Location
A typical thing to notice is the location changing from one to the other. This requires continuous monitoring of the location, and to help you in this, the watchPosition() feature is the most fruitful one. This technique works by approving the success and error functions like usual. Furthermore, it gives out an ID showcasing the ongoing watch operation. The location observance can be stopped by implementing the ‘clearWatch()’ function.
- The Geolocation API Can be Blended with the Mapping Applications
There are plenty of innovative ways to use the API. One of them is combining it with mapping apps like Bing maps or Google maps. The integration can be implemented by availing it to draw the user’s location and marking it on the map for specifying the present position. Another popular way is drawing a driving route starting from the existing location to the destination on the map.
- No Easy Way to Calculate Distance between the Two
By now it is clear that to work with this API, a calculation needs to take place between the two points. The fact is, there is no easy way to do it, and the user needs to undergo the struggle of performing complex calculations. There are two techniques for this calculation – client-side calculation and server-side calculation. The former approach involves calculation by indulging in Best Geolocation API and mathematical calculations. And for the server-side approach that includes ASP.NET for instance, you need to have the pass to the server-side library for computing the distance between the two positions.
These aforementioned seven steps are quite practical and can be implemented by a beginner as well. You may use these steps for finding solutions to searching ‘my IP address API’, or any other’s location.
