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“Map your business earning by developing an app like Citymapper.”

Online location tracking and finding has now become a common activity among people worldwide. It raised the popularity of navigation apps and inclined the interests of businesses towards this industry.

By seeing existing platforms, they have also started investing money to build an app like Citymapper. This industry has a lot of scope because location tracker apps can be integrated with other domains.

It is a fact that a best GPS tracker application just like Google maps involves all the necessary features that a user needs. So, it is the right time and a golden chance for business investors to start an online location tracking business to help users.

In this blog, we will discuss everything that is necessary to make an app like Citymapper. So, let us go ahead and grab valuable information through it.

What is Citymapper?

Citymapper can be considered as a compass app that provides real-time directions to help users find their locations accurately. It offers multiple features like traffic insights, shortest and fastest route to make the journey of users more easy and fast. Additionally, it safeguards the information of people to keep them protected from attackers.

An application like Citymapper provides voice command features for a contactless interaction. It allows users to share their journeys with other people through social media features. This application is a complete package offering offline maps with downloadable functions. So, businesses must develop an amazing application similar to Citymapper.

Market Stats of the GPS Industry

In 2022, the navigation market is expected to generate $1.25 Billion in total revenue.
By 2029, the market is estimated to be worth $2.50 Billion, with total sales growing at a projected rate of 8.53% CAGR between 2022-2029.
The navigation market’s in-app purchase (IAP) revenue is expected to reach $512.17 Million.
The navigation market’s paid app revenue is expected to reach $43.42 Million.
It is anticipated that the navigation market would generate $697.94 Million in advertising revenue.
It is anticipated that the navigation market would have 681.54 Million downloads by 2022.
It is now anticipated that the average income per download will reach $1.84.
When compared globally, China generates the largest revenue $409.37 Million in 2022.

What is the Cost to Build an App like Citymapper?

Initially, knowing the cost to build an app like Citymapper is highly beneficial for business investors. Additionally, it is necessary to understand that there are multiple factors responsible for influencing the mobile application development cost. So, let us study them in this section:

1. Company Size

The cost to build a Citymapper app is greatly impacted by the size of the company hired for the development. It can create confusion because if you select a small company then the cost will be low but security of apps may be compromised. Large companies charge more due to complex architecture.

Company Size	Estimated Cost
Small Enterprises	$8,000-$12,000
Medium-sized Enterprises	$12,000-$16,000
Big Enterprises	$16,000-$20,000

2. Location Factor

Hiring a GPS tracking app development company from the USA or any other western countries could be expensive. The cost to build a GPS tracking app is high due to skilled labour and variety in development services. But, in countries like India and the UAE the price is much lower.

Location Factor	Estimated Cost
USA	$25000-$30000
Australia	$20000-$25000
India	$5000-$12000
UK	$15000-$20000
UAE	$8000-$15000
Brazil	$12000-$16000

3. Experience Level

If you want to hire junior developers to keep the navigation app development cost low, then assure the quality of development services because they have less experience. But, professional developers can complete the development process faster, but their charges are higher than other experts.

Team’s Expertise Level	Cost Estimation (USD)
Junior/Entry-Level	$8000-$12000
Mid-Level/Experienced	$12000-$16000
Senior/Expert	$16000-$20000
Professional	$20000-$24000

4. Platform Complexity

Involvement of advanced services like voice command increase the cost to develop a GPS tracking software. Additionally, it is directly proportional to the time duration. As the complexity level of the navigation apps decreases the development cost and time also reduces.

Platform Classification	Development Time	Estimated Cost
Simple	2-5 months	$5000-$10000
Moderate	5-8 months	$10000-$15000
Complex	8-12 months	$15000-$20000
Premium	More than 12 months	$20000-$25000

5. Hiring of Developers

You can hire dedicated developers through different methods to keep the development cost low. But, you need to ensure that they provide quality in the development process. Freelancers can be hired at a lower price than outreaching developers and making In-House teams.

Hiring Factor	Estimated Cost
In House Team	$5,000-$8,000
Full-Time Freelancers	$3,500-$5,000
Developer Outreach	$8,000-$15,000

6. Frontend Cost

Connecting with an android app development company to create a GPS tracking app like Citymapper with an attractive user interface can help you to manage the development cost. Making panels in a location finder application is cheaper than implementing on-click functions.

Designing Cost	Estimated Cost
Navigable Panels	$5,000-$10,000
Responsiveness	$10,500-$15,000
On-Click Functions	$15,000-$20,000

7. Backend Services

As the development process goes far, the Citymapper app development cost also increases. There is a price involved for each task performed for backend development. Implementation of databases is cheaper than APIs, Node packages, and framework installation.

Backend Infrastructure	Estimated Cost
Databases	$8,000-$10,000
API Integration	$10,000-$15,000
Node Installation	$15,000-$17,000
React Framework	$17,000-$20,000

8. Use of Technologies

Use of technologies like AI can increase the GPS software development cost to more than expected. A Citymapper application with security functions like user authentication and location privacy costs more than AI-driven applications. This additional cost may affect the budget model of businesses.

Technical Model	Estimated Cost
Artificial Intelligence	$30,000-$40,000
Blockchain	$35,000-$50,000
Cloud Computing	$40,000-$45,000
Cyber Security	$45,000-$50,000

How to Reduce the GPS App Development Cost?

After knowing the cost to develop a Citymapper app in the above section, it is important to reduce them. So, it does not affect the development process. Let us understand major cost-reducing methods:

1. Use Hybrid Services

To develop a Citymapper clone app, it is necessary to use affordable GPS tracking app development services. So, the cost can be reduced without implementing extra architecture. This is the most commonly used method to lower the development rate.

Method	Percentage Cost Reduction
Use Hybrid Services	25%

2. Create Prototypes

The cost to create a Citymapper app can easily be reduced by creating prototypes of GPS location finder apps. You can hire dedicated hybrid app developers to make model replicas and help you to identify features and tools before starting the development process.

Method	Percentage Cost Reduction
Create Prototypes	20%

3. Configurable Tools

Businesses should use easily customizable tools to build a Citymapper clone app. If you are not having the knowledge of tools that can be configured, then it is important to approach an iPhone app development company. So, that security can be maintained at a reasonable price.

Method	Percentage Cost Reduction
Configurable Tools	17%

4. Manage Resources

Management of resources is an important method to reduce the cost to make a Citymapper app. It is a crucial method that restricts business investors to spend extra money on unnecessary resources. Monitoring is necessary to identify the quantity of available development resources.

Method	Percentage Cost Reduction
Manage Resources	15%

5. List Temporary Assets

Listing of temporary assets is mandatory to decrease the cost of developing a Citymapper app clone. Industry professionals can hire mobile app developers to identify the unused assets and make a new development model to restrict the cost.

Method	Percentage Cost Reduction
List Temporary Assets	12%

6. Optimized Approach

It is compulsory to regularly optimize the development process so that the cost to make a GPS tracking app like Citymapper can be reduced. For this, you can use on-demand app development services with updated models to keep the price as low as possible.

Method	Percentage Cost Reduction
Optimized Approach	10%

7. Third-Party Development

Use third-party android app development services for reducing the cost to create a Citymapper app clone. It involves supplementary agents known as proxies which are used to deliver secondary development components that help in managing the development price.

Method	Percentage Cost Reduction
Third-Party Development	5%

How to Develop an App Like Citymapper?

Business investors may find several methods to build an app like Citymapper. But, most of them are inapplicable. So, here we are discussing a generalized development process that provides desired results:

1. Gain Industrial Knowledge

First, investors should have a complete knowledge of the domain in which they are investing their money. To develop a GPS tracking app like Citymapper, you must observe different business models to know different features.

Additionally, make a proper plan mentioning budget requirements and post-development services. You can also release documentation for plan execution.

● What is the use of online tracking applications?

● Why invest in the development of GPS location tracker apps?

● How to make a blueprint for developing mobile applications?

2. Hire Development Company

Now, start hiring a reputed GPS tracking software development company to make market ready location finding mobile and web apps. You can select a suitable development partner by following a precise hiring method.

First, monitor previous work and outcomes to select a handful of candidates. Then conduct technical tasks to judge skills and ethical ability.

● Use a highly classified hiring process.

● Can I discuss my development plan with the consulting partner?

● What is the rate of hiring a GPS tracking development company?

3. Implement UI/UX

This stage is the actual starting of the designing interfaces to create an app like Citymapper more interactive with easy navigable features and high responsiveness is the main function for developers.

Businesses can choose AI tools to increase the speed of frontend designing. Additionally, they have the choice to select from multiple themes.

● How can I design a user interface?

● Which is the most commonly used AI tool for platform design?

● Use a hit and trial method for theme selection.

4. Merge Backend

Here, you need to implement sophisticated backend services with the designed application. This is an important stage in the process to build a GPS tracking app like Mapquest that uses Postman for API generation. Additionally, other tools can also be used to establish server connection.

Businesses can integrate advanced technologies like AI by using python to make GPS finder applications highly interactive with automation.

● Which is the best Javascript framework?

● Which is the best tool to store user data?

● Can I integrate AI with location finder apps?

5. Test, Secure & Launch

The testing of mobile applications is an important part in the process to develop an app like Citymapper. With this, you can find out all possible mistakes and resolve them easily by using specialized security algorithms. Testing involves different models based on business requirements.

Once completed you can now launch your mobile application by partnering with different promoters and market distributors.

● Is white box testing suitable for complex apps?

● Which is the best security algorithm?

● What is the main component for application launch?

6. Update App Services

This is the last stage in which using mobile app maintenance service is a crucial task. It involves app optimization, featured updates, and fixing bugs. By doing this, you can enhance the experience of users by increasing the productivity and functionality of tracking apps.

The maintenance of mobile apps requires extra investment and is directly proportional to the development cost. So, the more you use maintenance services, the higher the price.

● What is the cost to maintain GPS location searching apps?

● Understand the role of updating application features.

● How to reduce the maintenance cost?

Essential Features of Apps Like Citymapper

Till here, we have discussed a lot of things about a GPS tracker detector application. In this section, we will further understand what features it involves to attract people in large numbers:

1. Real-time Navigation

It provides turn-by-turn directions with voice guidance, considering current traffic conditions and road closures. Businesses can develop an app like Waze that provides on-demand maps.

2. Route Planning

A GPS tracking device application offers multiple route options with estimated travel times and distances. It allows users to choose the best route based on their preferences.

3. Public Transit Integration

Integration of real-time public transportation data with a Citymapper like app is easy. This includes bus and train schedules, delays, and platform information.

4. Multimodal Transportation

These apps support various modes of transportation, such as walking, cycling, driving, and ride-sharing. It is beneficial to build an app like GeoZilla that provides tailored routes for each mode.

5. Offline Maps

They allow users to download maps for offline use, ensuring navigation even without an internet connection. Making a similar app like Citymapper is a great choice to offer internetless maps.

6. Point of Interests

Users can see nearby points of interest with the help of a GPS tracking system app. This involves locations such as restaurants, gas stations, and hospitals, with detailed information and reviews.

7. Lane Guidance

Citymapper provides lane guidance to ensure users are in the correct lane for turns and exits. Through payment integration you can charge fees for this feature especially at complex locations.

8. Speed Limit Alerts

There are many apps similar to Citymapper that alert users when they exceed the speed limit, promoting safer driving habits. They allow them to set a sound notification for overspeeding.

9. Incident Reporting

By using a GPS phone app tracker users can easily report accidents, road closures, and other incidents. This helps them to contribute to real-time traffic updates and assist other people.

10. Customization

An app like Citymapper offers customization options, such as preferred map views, voice guidance settings, and home locations. So, businesses can also create a mobile app with quick navigation services.

Top Alternatives of Citymapper

To build top GPS tracking apps you need to find out the available online tracking platforms. So, that you can have the idea of the estimated route planner app development cost. In this section we will observe major Citymapper app alternatives with the help of a table listing downloads and ratings for each:

Top 10 Citymapper Alternatives	Supported Devices	Downloads	Ratings
Google Maps	Android\|iOS	10B+	4.2
Waze Navigation	Android\|iOS	500M+	4.1
Life360	Android\|iOS	100M+	4.6
Yandex Navigator	Android\|iOS	100M+	4.4
Circuit Route Planner	Android\|iOS	10M+	4.3
HERE WeGo	Android\|iOS	10M+	4.3
MapQuest	Android\|iOS	10M+	4.2
GeoZilla	Android\|iOS	10M+	4.1
Mappls	Android\|iOS	10M+	4.0
Avenza Maps	Android\|iOS	1M+	4.6

6 Ways to Monetize Apps Like Citymapper

By developing a GPS tracker app, businesses can make a huge profit. In this section, we are discussing them to understand how Geolocation app development cost can be balanced through monetization:

1. Ad Campaigns

Earning money through ad campaigns is the most common monetization model. You can implement clickable advertisements of your GPS location finder app on different partnered platforms. So, ads can become a source of revenue for your business.

2. Data Monetization

Businesses can develop location tracking apps like Life360 to gather user data and sell them to make money. For this, you need to have a dynamic and flexible database architecture that can be accessed anytime to get information. Which can be distributed to other investors afterwards.

3. Subscription Services

You can implement subscription plans on a GPS location tracker app to generate a stream of revenue. Offer features through different schemes like monthly, annual, and lifetime so that users can choose one based on their needs.

4. Domain Integration

Integration of an application for GPS tracking in android platforms like food delivery and taxi booking can help you to make big profits. To implement this model you can contact a mobile app development company and use their services at a reasonable price.

5. Premium Features

A good GPS tracker application provides advanced features like voice command and 3-D map view which users can utilize by paying a suitable amount of money. This model is made for those people who haven’t paid for prime membership.

6. In-App Purchases

There are different cool features like location marking and info services available in some location tracking apps. So, to avail users can pay a suitable amount of money. You can develop a location-based app with these purchase features to make a huge profit.

Concluding Our Blog!!

This business profile is very interesting and comes with a lot of benefits for both investors and users. Industrialists must build an app like Citymapper to get an advantage over others. Let us examine what are the areas that can help investors to become a leading GPS brand:

For industrial clarity, you can hire an IT consulting company in your region.
Start by identifying various difficulties and their solutions.
Think of a particular GPS tracking app with the most number of downloads and business revenue.
Develop the application and get market support.
Implement money making models for revenue generation.
Expand the business domain and target other platforms.

All these points are crucial to make more out of the development process. Additionally, they will also help in the management of the cost. So, keep your resources ready and start immediately.

FAQs

Q1. How much Time is Needed to Develop an Application Like Citymapper?

For developing a GPS mobile application like Citymapper with low compatibility takes time between 5 to 8 months. But, as the application intricacy increases the time also exceeds to more than a year.

Q2. How Does Citymapper work?

A GPS app like Citymapper works in the following manner:

Download and install the application.
Enable settings and give required permissions.
Search location to get directions.
Get nearby services and amenities.

Q3. What is the Cost to Hire a GPS App Developer?

The cost to hire mobile app developers depends on the location and experience level. The average price to hire junior developers ranges between $10-$20 per hour. But for hiring senior developers in regions like the USA, the cost can exceed $30 per hour.