Under the Hood: AI Technologies in Geosocial Networking Apps

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Alex Shatalov Data Scientist & ML Engineer

Social media apps are huge today, with about 5 billion people using them globally. These platforms are great for connecting audiences worldwide, but can they help users discover nearby communities? It is where location-based social networking apps come into play. 

Geosocial networking services shift the focus from global to local and suggest people content, places, and events of interest based on their location. 

These apps are rather complex solutions, and their development is exciting yet technically challenging. Our AI/ML team is proud to share their real-life insights and explain how AI technologies can contribute to geosocial networking and community building.

In this article, you’ll find the following:

• Details on our real-market case study based on geosocial networking;
• A more profound overview of the technologies that you can use to build a gosocial networking app;
• Six geosocial networking apps shaking up the market right now.

Building an AI-Driven Geosocial Networking Platform: Real-World Experience

Our client approached us with an idea to develop an advanced geosocial networking app tailored to the local market in Asia. Their vision was to:

• innovate the typical social media interaction by offering way more than usual posting and commenting; 
• establish a unique personal recommendation system for events and places;
• add language and voice recognition features for a better user experience.

As you can see, this unique app covers several AI technologies at once, requiring a lot of expertise and attention from software developers. So, what should you do when you have something innovative in mind? In fact, finding a skillful team is half the battle. See for yourself.

Find this and other cases in the article about ChatGPT applications Read more

The Solution

Our engineers were in charge of the project from the outset, starting with the discovery phase and proof of concept. The primary task was building a functional prototype of a personal recommendation system based on location to pitch the app’s idea to the investors. After that, we added other features and provided the solution support.

Geosocial networking app developed by our engineers from the ground up

Here is a full list of functions we provided at this point:

• Calendar-centered app logic: The app is structured around a calendar with local events that align with a user’s location and range of interests;
• Recommendation system: Our ML team has developed a knowledge graph for the social network to handle all user data. This specialized database fuels personalized recommendations, enhancing user experience;
• Bilingual support: The system recognizes both English and Vietnamese, as well as translates between them for easy street navigation;
• In-app chat: Platform users can message each other, post photos and videos, and comment on other people’s posts;
• Topic channels: Recommendations provided to a user are categorized into various topics like food, nightlife, and shopping;
• Virtual assistant: The app includes an assistant based on a trained GPT model, able to recognize the user’s speech and voice and translate it to text.  Such an assistant offers suggestions for places or events nearby, helping users plan their days on the move.

Try out your AI development idea with a PoC! Talk to CHI engineers

Technology Stack

The geosocial networking project is both interesting and technically demanding, which is precisely what makes it so appealing. Our team explored many models and technologies to address various challenges. For example, the significant problem at the start was the lack of real-life data. 

Developing a knowledge graph for this app became another notable project challenge. It proved to be incredibly complex, encompassing a range of smaller interconnected tasks.

Tools and technologies required to build a geosicial app

Are you excited about this project as much as we are? Feel free to read more about the solution in our case study.

Prospects Are Boundless: 7 More AI-Driven Technologies for Geosocial Networking Platforms

Now you know how AI technologies like personal recommendation systems, voice & speech recognition, and GPT-powered chatbots can enrich geosocial networking apps. But artificial intelligence tech spreads way further than that. 

It can boost user engagement with augmented reality, predictive analysis, and image recognition features. And when it comes to staying safe, smart algorithms have users’ backs by keeping personal info secure.

What AI-powered technologies can be used for geosocial applications

Geolocation Algorithms

AI-powered geolocation technologies in social networking apps offer precise services tailored to a specific location. They accurately pinpoint where users are and recommend nearby events and places of interest.

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

NLP enables an app to understand and respond to everyday language via text messages, making searches and interactions feel like chatting with friends. In voice assistants, the technology can work hand in hand with speech recognition, which converts speech to text. NLP translates languages for global users, powers handy chatbots, ‘reads’ emotions in reviews, and enables voice commands. 

Predictive Analytics

This technology foresees future geosocial trends and offers relevant content after analyzing users’ historical data like location check-ins, interests, and social interactions. For example, if a person frequently visits art galleries, an app infused with predictive analytics might suggest upcoming art events nearby. It can also forecast peak times at popular locations to help people plan their visits. 

Need some inspiration? Here are 15+ innovative ideas for AI mobile startups Read more

Augmented Reality (AR)

AR utilizes computer vision to overlay digital elements in the real world. Incorporating them into the app gives users more interaction options. Geosocial AR games like Pokémon GO enhance the gameplay by blending virtual elements with real-world locations. 

Image and Video Analysis

Apps incorporating photo sharing can use facial recognition and image analysis to tag friends, moderate content, and create interactive experiences. For example, Facebook employs facial recognition for easy photo tagging, while Snapchat leverages it for augmented reality features. Learn more about our custom facial recognition software development services.

Real-Time Data Processing

Real-time data processing is crucial for delivering instant services and interactions. With its help, geosocial apps offer users up-to-the-moment information and experiences. In navigation apps like Waze or Google Maps, real-time data processing provides current traffic conditions, accident alerts, and route changes based on live traffic data.

AI for Data Privacy and Security

Smart algorithms also support user privacy in geosocial networking. AI systems can swiftly identify and counteract privacy threats, protecting user location data and personal information. Machine learning, for instance, can be employed to detect anomalies in data access, maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of user information.

Using Geosocial Networking for Business: Exciting Success Stories

Geosocial networking features can be the essence of your business app or an optional feature that attracts new users and helps monetize your project. Let us inspire you with remarkable examples, from a well-known social media platform to a road navigation solution. 

Tinder

Tinder helps people find somebody to love, spend an enjoyable evening, or grab a coffee together. The most installed dating app utilizes user location data to show potential matches and their proximity. Though the app knows where users are, it never discloses an exact spot to maintain privacy and safety. And the audience appreciates that: 64 million people use the app, with 1 in 6 choosing to pay for a subscription.

Pokémon GO

Pokémon GO interface

Source

The augmented reality (AR) game developed by Niantic encourages players to visit real-world locations, catch cartoon characters called Pokemons, and complete other missions. As an option, Pokemon seekers can make friends, complete challenges together, and trade their hunts. 

Though the game had passed its peak in good old 2016, it still has around 40 million downloads per year. 

Waze

Originally a GPS navigation software, Waze stands out by combining location-based services with a dynamic networking element. The app encourages drivers to report traffic, speed traps, and road accidents, making its users a united community. 

Nextdoor

Nextdoor application

Source

The platform groups its users in closed communities. The app serves as a network for neighbors, so every member has to prove their identity and location to participate. Nextdoor connects households, local businesses, professionals, and public agencies. Big brands are welcome, too, but only with localized promotions and offers. Here, people exchange community news, get recommendations, and find goods and services nearby. Small businesses can benefit from geosocial networking and find their customers online. The app operates in 12 countries and has over 40 million active users weekly. 

Strava

Strava applications

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Refusing to be just a fitness tracker, Strava became a social platform for runners, cyclists, and other outdoor enthusiasts. A community of 100 million athletes encourages its members to share training stats, find new race buddies, and join local sports communities. The app also uses geosocial data to promote sports events and, in that way, contributes to their active attendance 

Facebook

Location-based services by Facebook

The biggest social network employs location-based services in different ways. The most obvious one is letting users share their location in posts and stories and check in at restaurants, gyms, airports, and other real-world venues. 

Features like Events or Marketplace use location information to suggest happenings or stuff they can buy in their area. 

And, of course, Facebook uses geosocial data for customer insights and targeting and offers businesses the option of location-based advertising and promotions.

Gowalla

One of the pioneers of geosocial networking, Gowalla was closed in 2021 and relaunched again in 2023 to catch a trend for more localized social connections. The app helps people meet with their real-world contacts in physical locations. Users can safely share their current status and position with friends and find new interesting places nearby. 

Find geosocial networking fascinating? Let's make it real together! Book your call with CHI engineers

Final Words

Social media has become integral to our lives, and imagining a world without them is hardly possible. While some argue that socials disconnect us from the real world, location-based social networking apps actually do the opposite. They are like digital treasure maps guiding us to local gems and new friendships right in our own neighborhoods.

Now you know that crafting a first-class geosocial networking app is not that easy. It demands a suite of sophisticated technologies to deliver a standout user experience. Yes, reconnecting people with their surroundings is complex, but we know how to do it. 

If you want to create your own geosocial platform, you are in the right spot. Our AI/ML team has the expertise to help you craft an engaging and enjoyable experience for your users. Just drop us a line – that is all it takes to set off on the path to something amazing.

About the author

Alex Shatalov Data Scientist & ML Engineer

Alex is a Data Scientist & ML Engineer with an NLP specialization. He is passionate about AI-related technologies, fond of science, and participated in many international scientific conferences.