A Step-by-Step Guide on Building Waze Navigation App

Many different kinds of applications have come and gone since the early days of mobile phones and pocket computers. However, GPS navigation apps are still commonly used today. The answer is quite definite. Being able to navigate to any location you require is always valuable. Let’s talk about the Waze navigation app, which is the second most downloaded navigation app in the US.

Today, because of the rapid expansion of urban areas, it is challenging for both residents and tourists to get to their destinations quickly while also avoiding traffic. Urban dwellers constantly hustle, trying to efficiently reduce commuting times.

It is for this reason that GPS navigational technology is so widely used today. As per research, more than three-fourths (77%) of smartphone owners routinely use navigation applications, and 87% use them for driving directions. 

As navigation apps like Waze have become the most lucrative industry in the twenty-first century, many companies are eager to develop them due to the overwhelming popularity of mobile app development. However, the creation of GPS tracking apps can be very difficult, but by having a trusted tech partner and an on-demand app development company at your disposal, you can transform your concept into an app that can dominate the market. 

This article describes how to create the best GPS navigation app, including everything from financial considerations to key features of apps like Waze. However, you must first understand the fundamentals, such as what GPS navigation is and how Waze mobile app works.

What is a GPS navigation system?

A GPS navigation system is a combination of an audio/video (AV) element and a GPS receiver created for a specific application, like a portable or in-car device or mobile application.

The position of a receiver on earth can be determined using the global positioning system (GPS), a 24-satellite radar system. The U.S. Department of Defense created GPS. Initially, the technology was employed for military functions. Since 1980, when GPS technology was made accessible to the general public, it has proliferated in a wide range of products, including vehicles, ships, smartphones, electronic gear, and even personalized heads-up projection glasses.

What is the Waze app and how does it operate?

Waze is a GPS navigation software program available for both iOS and Android devices. Customers using this GPS Waze navigation software can access data about traffic conditions. The Waze app, created by an Israeli business in 2009, has been installed over 100 million times or more on app stores. Through knowledge systems information about road congestion and highway construction, Waze assists drivers worldwide in optimizing their routes The Waze application is used by numerous individuals all over the world because it allows users to notify and push notifications to others about mishaps, blocked routes, police trapping, and other concerns. 

Key Features of the Waze Navigation App

Authorization

An integral part of applications like Waze is an authorization. The user can post critiques, make comments, and engage with other users after registering. There are two different ways to sign in: using Facebook or your email address.

Voice navigation

Drivers should not be distracted while operating a vehicle, which is why this function is essential. The speech function tells you when to turn left and after how many kilometers, for example. You can easily turn off voice control if you think it is bothering you.

Push notifications

An app like Waze mobile app shows user messages more attractively.  These messages can be sent straight into their chat box or via push notifications. When a user enters a certain region or location, this can be implemented for navigation apps.

Rerouting

If a driver encounters a road accident or makes a wrong move, your GPS software needs to quickly reroute them so that they may continue to follow the basic instructions.

Users don’t have to wait around for your app to re-analyze the route; they can start following the appropriate directions right away.

Geopositioning and navigation

The foundation of a navigation app is created by maps. For determining the location of the user, looking for things, and visualizing the path, Waze location tracking makes use of the navigation system.

You can include the Cell Identification feature in your application to cut down on inaccuracies since it relies on information from wireless carriers. The app’s location services will be accurate if your team blends Cell ID and GPS.

Social networking

Since social media apps can provide authentication and incentives, you must integrate your app with social media during sign-up. Additionally, social network integration enhances customer experience and reduces authenticating risk. In conclusion, the application enables users to sign in swiftly by using their existing account rather than requiring them to create a new one.

At Appinventiv, our experts know how to take advantage of the fundamental demand for social integration that permeates all users of mobile apps in the present day. To design an app with all of these capabilities, get in touch with us immediately.

Services for payment

As a technique of commercialization, an application for GPS navigation may use in-app payments. There is a chance of collaboration if your app gets momentum among drivers and individuals who provide related services.

Ride-sharing

Waze enables Drivers to enjoy free fuel by using a Ridesharing service.  On your device, you can see all the other users who are moving toward the same route. The cost of the trip’s gas is split between the driver and the passengers. The Waze-like app’s suggested fee is determined in advance for each ride. The app instantly debits users’ bank accounts and credit cards.

Synchronization of Google Calendar

The Waze-like app can be synced with Google Calendar by users so that their travels can be more viable. The Waze navigation app creates a list of upcoming appointments alongside their destinations when it has access to the calendar. Users can just use their navigational app to find their previously inputted locations in this way.

Steps to follow to build a GPS navigation app like Waze successfully

The steps listed below should be followed by your development team to create a navigation app similar to Waze:

Carry out research for your Waze navigation app

It is important to do the needed analysis before shortlisting any business idea. Performing market analysis and competitor analysis will help you ensure the project’s success. Identifying the possible pitfalls and shortcomings of this project at the onset can assist in boosting its success. A checklist must be created by the team to ensure the reliability of each phase in the conceptualization, development, evaluation, and marketing of the app.

Pick your technical partner

To create your application, you must choose a reliable firm that develops mobile applications. At this stage, you explore, analyze, and select a company to work with on the production of your navigation app. An essential step in this app creation process is signing an NDA agreement.

Meet the needs of your target market

Customers desire smart navigation nowadays. For instance, they want the app to notify users of speed traps in addition to traffic congestion. Modern clever apps must also direct users to locate parking lots with plenty of space nearby that also indicate fuel prices.

Incorporate as many useful features as you can

To ensure that your Waze-like navigation app provides all customers with outstanding service, provide as many practical functions as possible.

In this competitive world, it becomes imperative for the application to have a unique feature that can set it apart from its competitors. Smart navigation apps should have features like gas filling stations nearby, display gas prices, speed camera indications, and nearby parking lots with available parking spaces, in addition to basic route navigation and information about traffic jams.

Include gamification features

Features that encourage gaming urge people to use your software frequently. As an example, consider the points-based system. When using the app, users can earn credits for a variety of actions, like uploading road statistics or driving a certain number of km. These points can be compared to those of other drivers.

Choose UI/UX design for your app

The buttons on your app ought to be legible and big enough for drivers to quickly find and press them. Focus on the core functions of the app; only the necessary UI elements should be included at the time of navigation.

[Also Read: Importance of UI UX design in an app development process]

Include voice directions

Navigation is safer when voice instructions are used, as users won’t be distracted by their cell phone screens while driving. Make sure you play the voice instructions at the correct time. Once you’ve done this, users can follow along without being distracted by anything, like gazing at a smartphone. Similarly, users should not be swamped with alerts when navigating.

When launching an app, attach a video

When submitting an app for navigation evaluation,  don’t neglect to include a demonstration video of the program’s functionality. In the absence of this video, Apple and Google may reject your application and state that they don’t understand why they should enable it to play sounds and operate in the background.

[Also Read: How to upload an app to Google Play Store?]

The best tech stack for the GPS navigation app

What you wish to put in the feature list will determine the tech stack. A lot also depends on the technology your mobile app development company uses and whether the application is native or cross-platform.

Even if you don’t have much knowledge of technology, it could be essential for you to familiarise yourself with the tools that will be used to create your GPS app. Let’s look at the fundamental stack needed to create a navigation app.

Development of GPS navigation apps like the Waze app for iOS:

• Swift/Objective-C (programming language)
• API for Google Maps
• API for Core Location
• SDK for Google Maps
• MapKit for IOS

Development of GPS navigation apps like the Waze app for Android:

• Kotlin/Java (programming language)
• The MapView class and Google Maps API
• Directions on Google Maps
• API for Google Distance Matrix
• API for Google Location Services
• packages for Android location

Hybrid apps, which integrate mobile and online components, may be something you could consider creating. Although the development process takes less time, the functionality is not as seamless as native apps.

The same holds for cross-platform app development; even though your GPS app will work on both iOS and Android, efficiency won’t be extremely impressive. Therefore, if you want to provide the finest user experience, native app development is the ideal choice. 

Additionally, you can leverage alternative APIs like Google Maps, Twitter API,  Bloomberg API, etc., to improve your app and add more features. These services will improve user experience and enrich your app.

Java or Python can be used for the back-end, and JavaScript for the front-end of a web application if that is additionally required. World wide web consortium GPS location API, HTML5 Geolocation API, and MapKit JS are further supporting tools that aid in the development of web GPS applications.

What is the cost of developing an app similar to Waze?

We have understood the features and tech stack required to create the navigational app. The million-dollar question now is, how much does Waze cost? The cost of developing apps like Waze depends on several factors, such as the development agency’s fees, the variety of features, and the program’s intricacy.

It is crucial to start with something simpler and smaller if you want to keep the application development on a low budget. For instance, you may start by developing an MVP, which will enable you to obtain a price estimate.

A minimum viable product, also known as an MVP, is a collection of the basic minimum components that enables the development team to test the product’s sustainability and analyze the idea’s plausibility through user input and application performance.

However, the average cost of developing Waze like app is between $30,000 and $400,000. The cost may differ depending on the extent of your features and the company you choose to execute them. The per-hour development cost can help you deduce the approximate cost of the application.

How does Waze make money?

The final aim of developing any application is to make money. The question is how to make money from a GPS directions or route planner app. Waze-like app earns money from advertisements based on location.

Once the user inputs the location, the local small businesses, on the route, get to place the advertisement by putting their details, address, and other information on the map.

How can Appinventiv assist you in creating on-demand app solutions?

Accessibility and legitimate functioning are necessary for every segment of the economy. We are the on-demand app development company responsible for creating some of the most user-friendly instantaneous applications ever.

Our team of on-demand app developers excels in creating and incorporating features that elevate your standard app to the top of the store charts.

Appinventiv is renowned as a company that creates on-demand apps and addresses significant problems. We recently helped our client to develop an e-scooter app, which has functional and synchronized features like:

In-app purchase

We included a payment option in the electric scooter rental applications to make it easy and quick for consumers to book a trip.

GPS

With the use of this feature, users of the e-scooter app can locate available e-scooters without physically checking the parking bays.

Social media integration

With our one-click social media logins, using the electric scooter rental app is simple.

In case you are also looking to develop something similar, contact our experts today. They will guide you through the entire process and make the app development journey hassle-free for you.

Bottom Line

The market for GPS apps has been disrupted by the Waze navigation app. Therefore, it is not shocking that it has captivated millions of users worldwide.

There are numerous benefits to using GPS navigation for both consumers and corporations. The best illustration of how GPS may be used within an app is the Waze app. Making use of such a reference will enable you to provide users with something wholly original and beneficial. We have shown how to create a GPS app similar to the Waze navigation app in this article so that you can participate in this popularity.

FAQs

Q. Why does one need a GPS navigation app?

A. The efficiency of GPS applications contributes to their immense popularity. Paper maps are hardly ever used while exploring a new location. There are several different spatial apps, and each one gives consumers additional options.

Users can obtain the information they need and highlight places they deem relevant to get more precise information about the preferred destination using GPS apps with voice directions and upgraded satellite maps.

Q. How to create a GPS navigation app as popular as Waze?

A. The following steps can be taken to design a successful GPS navigation app:

• To begin, arrange a product development workshop.

• Include functional elements like rerouting

• Integrate social media within the app.

• Include voice instructions

• Gamification features should be added to encourage users to revisit the app.

• Make your app’s UX/UI design as simple as possible.

Q. Which technology stack is the best fit for GPS navigation mobile applications?

A. Building an app like Waze requires using a precise, efficient technical stack. Which operating system you want the mobile app to run on determines the technology stack of the GPS navigation app.

Q. How much does it cost to develop an app?

A. The price to create an app similar to Waze varies depending on several aspects, including the number of features involved, the intricacy of the design, the technology stack, the locale of the development business, etc.

THE AUTHOR

Dileep Gupta

DIRECTOR & CO-FOUNDER