How Do Location Based Services Work & Why Field Teams Need Them Now!
types of location based services
7 min read
May 7, 2025
How do location based services work? This thought may have crossed minds of field teams, as there are so many types of location based services out there in the field. These location based services use a mix of GPS, Wi-Fi, and mobile networks to figure out a field teams’ geographic location.
That means when someone opens Google Maps or any other location based apps, it pulls in location data to show their current spot.
But here’s the real deal: these services are not just for finding the nearest store. For field service managers, location based services are now critical for keeping up with customer demands, improving mobile workforce management, and cutting operational costs. And for that reason only, many of those field managers have already started using location intelligence software to track their field employees accurately.
In this blog, we’ll look at:
How these services actually work (without getting too techy)
Why they matter more than ever for field teams
The types of location based services out there
The best tools you can use right now
Moreover, you’ll also get answers to questions like how indoor location differs from outdoor tracking, and what to know about data protection and employee privacy. So, let’s get into it.
Location based services use the accurate method of tracking current location of mobile device’s location to deliver useful data or trigger actions. These existing solutions rely on GPS, Wi-Fi, and mobile networks to detect the user’s location.
Common examples include Google Maps, food delivery apps, and emergency call systems. Businesses use them for tracking services, asset tracking, and proximity marketing.
For field teams, these location information services help monitor employees, find stolen assets, and improve field workers’ productivity. They also support tools like field force management software and location intelligence software.
Whether it’s sending alerts near designated locations or optimizing routes, location based services make field operations smarter.
How Do Location Based Services Work?
Location based services work by collecting location data from a user’s mobile device and using it to deliver services or information tied to that location.
Here’s how they get your location:
GPS (Global Positioning System): Uses satellites to get your exact location outdoors.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Help with indoor location where GPS signals are weak.
Cellular networks: Use nearby towers to estimate your geographic location.
Once the system knows where the device is, it can connect that spot with nearby services, routes, or users. For example, a delivery company can match a driver’s route as per the user preferences with the nearest business or alert them when they reach a customer’s location.
Many location based services companies also use communication technologies like 4G or 5G for faster updates. They can tag custom location labels to help track mobile assets across geographical locations.
To work, these services need the end user’s mobile device to grant permission for location services. Without that, apps can’t access the data.
Don’t wait for field teams to fall through the cracks.
A better tracking system can free you from headaches.
Types of location based services vary depending on how and where they collect and use location data. Here are the main ones:
1. Mapping and Navigation Services
These guide users using Google Maps or similar apps. They rely on GPS and Wi-Fi to show directions, real-time traffic updates, and relevant information.
2. Tracking Services
Used in mobile workforce management to monitor vehicles, assets, and employees. These services offer precise location data to improve job scheduling and reduce idle time.
3. Proximity Based Services
Apps trigger actions when someone enters or exits a specific zone or nearby place. This powers proximity marketing campaigns like sending offers when potential customers come close to a store.
4. Indoor Location Services
Indoor location services work in malls, airports, or large buildings using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. These services help identify indoor location when GPS isn’t available.
5. Emergency and Security Services
They locate a mobile caller’s location in case of an emergency call or use location data for fraud prevention in credit card transactions.
6. Information and Service Locators
These services use location based applications to help users find the nearest store, specific retail outlet, or other service points.
Among various types of GPS systems depends on location technology and access to accurate location information from the end user’s mobile device.
Benefits of Location Based Services for the Field Teams
Location based services help field teams work smarter, faster, and with fewer mistakes. Here’s how:
1. Real-Time Tracking
Managers get updates on where every team member or vehicle is. This helps with field workers productivity, quicker dispatching, and tracking delays.
2. Better Route Planning
Using tools like Google Maps and location based tracking, teams can take shorter, faster routes. This reduces fuel use and saves time.
3. Improved Customer Service
Knowing the customer’s location and ETA lets you send updates and reduce waiting time. It also makes your service more reliable.
4. Asset Tracking
Field teams use location based services applications, so they can easily monitor tools, equipment, and vehicles. This prevents stolen assets and supports recovery.
5. Safety and Accountability
With access to precise location, managers can respond faster during emergencies or check if a worker actually visited a job site.
6. Data for Performance Reports
All the location data helps track time spent at each site, allowing better scheduling and performance reviews.
7. Better Resource Allocation
You can match the closest available technician to a job, cutting downtime and improving response speed. In short, these services bring visibility, control, and faster decision-making to field operations.
Best Location Tracking Software for Field Teams
Not all location based service apps are built the same, and for obvious reasons, field managers would require more information than just a dot on the map. They need complete location based tracking that connects field activity with smart workflows.
And for that reason, they would require tools that combine:
Real time location tracking across multiple devices
Route optimization using location based technology
Custom location labels for recurring job sites
Indoor and outdoor location monitoring
Support for mobile users and large teams
There is a tool known as Super Field Force, and it has all the features that are listed above, and will be required by a field manager. This advanced platform even let you monitor employee movement, track jobs by designated locations, and automate updates using precise location data.
This solution standouts the most and getting used by many growing teams in logistics, maintenance, and delivery. Furthermore, it’s known for helping businesses manage large teams on the move.
Super Field Force also have market leading features like geo-fencing, live tracking, and task management all in one place— as it’s built for field operations at scale. This kind of tailored solution is geting widespread use for helping in field operations—as it is designed to solve the daily headaches of field managers.
Wrap Up,
Location based services have gone from being a nice-to-have to a must-have for modern field teams. They connect every moving part—people, assets, and jobs—through accurate location data, giving managers the edge they need to stay ahead.
But it’s not just about knowing where your team is. It’s about what you do with that data. The right platform doesn’t just offer tracking services. It helps you automate tasks, reduce downtime, and make better decisions without digging through spreadsheets or chasing updates over calls.
If your current setup only shows pins on a map, it’s probably time to switch to something smarter—like Super Field Force. The most effective teams today are already using field force management software, just so they can manage and scale their field operations.
So, upgrade to the right system now, because it won’t just improve how you work, rather, it will change how you see your entire operation.
FAQs
How do location-based services enhance field team productivity?
LBS provides real-time tracking of field personnel, enabling managers to monitor job progress, optimize routes, and allocate resources efficiently. This leads to reduced downtime and improved service delivery.
Can LBS be integrated with existing field service management systems?
Yes, many LBS platforms offer seamless integration with field service management software, allowing for unified data management and streamlined operations.
What measures are in place to protect employee privacy when using LBS?
Reputable LBS solutions prioritize data protection by implementing features like user consent protocols, data encryption, and customizable privacy settings to ensure compliance with privacy regulations.
How do LBS assist in emergency situations for field teams?
LBS enables quick identification of a field worker's exact location, facilitating prompt assistance during emergencies and enhancing overall safety protocols.
Are LBS effective in areas with poor GPS signals, such as indoor locations?
Advanced LBS platforms utilize hybrid positioning technologies, combining Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular data to provide accurate location tracking even in challenging environments like indoor settings.
Written By :
Alpesh Vaghasiya
The founder & CEO of Superworks, I'm on a mission to help small and medium-sized companies to grow to the next level of accomplishments.With a distinctive knowledge of authentic strategies and team-leading skills, my mission has always been to grow businesses digitally The core mission of Superworks is Connecting people, Optimizing the process, Enhancing performance.
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