• By Sandy Blanquera
• in Guest Blog
• April 13, 2011
• More_posts
• Sandy Blanquera website
• 
• 
• 
• 

Google, FourSquare and Facebook are just a few digital applications and sites using location-based technology. But what is it? Simply put, it’s a process of determining your current physical location-based on your phone’s unique address and using that location to accomplish something. Here are some examples:

Google can use your current location with Google Maps to provide you directions to another location. I recently used my Smartphone like a GPS while walking in Chicago. Google pinged my phone and then gave me step-by-step directions to my desired location. It can also show you where a loved one is by pinging their phone and showing you on a map. This is very useful if you have children.

FourSquare is basically a game. You share your location with others within FourSquare or on sites like Twitter. FourSquare determines your current location. It provides you a list of establishments that are near you and then asks you to select one to “check-in”. Since the technology is not yet precise the establishments may be within about a mile radius, not necessarily your exact location. The more you check-in at locations, the more you get in the way of awards, badges and positions of prestige among the FourSquare community. You can also receive discounts or special offers from businesses near you.

Facebook is utilizing a location feature they call Facebook Places. The new feature allows you to share your location with others, while also locating your friends. Think of it as creating your own serendipity. If you and your friend are in the same coffee shop, you might just walk on by, but with Facebook Places, you can connect!

The advent of location-based technology has some people up in arms over concerns of privacy and safety. The good news is that you can choose to use the applications and features. It’s not a requirement. But if you do decide to use them, I recommend spending some time researching the features of sharing and privacy so you can manage the privacy to your own liking.

What can we expect from location-based technology? Many great things are in store. It offers up the opportunity for new applications to be developed that “serve” you based on knowing where you are. Imagine hitting a button indicating you want a cab and then based on your location, one is dispatched. Or how about punching in a request for a restaurant and a map pops up showing you three nearby with photos, phone numbers and directions? We can expect this technology to deliver many useful services that make life easier. In the meantime, you might go check out some of these location-based opportunities and think about how they might work for you.