What is a Geofence?
A geofence is an invisible fence created with wireless electronic signals. By using the Global Positioning System (GPS) an area can be marked using latitude and longitude coordinates. Once a geofence is marked off with the co-ordinates for the fence, when devices which use GPS cross the fence, it triggers a signal that the fence is "crossed." A geofence is often referred to as a “virtual” fence since it doesn't physically exist but is created using a software application.
Geofences use software applications that allow the fence owner to create the fence perimeter and to communicate with devices that can identify their location. GPS is one of the most commonly used ways to create a geofence, so we'll take a look at how it works with GPS devices.
Setting up a geofence
Using a geofence software application running on a computer or as web-based application gives a person or organization the ability to create a geofence. The geofence software displays a map on the computer screen and the person creating the fence identifies the location of the fence.
Fences can be set up in a few different ways. A common way to set up a fence is to mark a point on the map and set a radius, creating a circular geofence. Another way is to create a perimeter fence by marking points on the geofence application. Marking points is useful for geofences that need to follow specific borders and lines. A third way is to mark a geofence for a route, using points on the geofence software map that identify specific locations for a path or route. The next step is to identify the devices that will be using the geofence created in the software application.
The devices tracked could be a common smartphone using it's GPS signal or a specialized device that broadcasts its location via GPS such as vehicle tracker used in a delivery truck. Once the software application knows what devices to listen and watch for, it can identify the location of these devices and where they are on the map. Now we have a software application that has a fence and it knows about some devices being tracked.
When any of the devices being tracked crosses the fence that was created the geofence software application sends alerts to the person or organization using the geofence. Typically the alert is in the form of a text message or email to someone who's responsible for monitoring the geofence letting them know a person or item has crossed the fence.
Some examples of geofence use
Geofences are used for equipment and asset tracking of valuable items. For example, a hospital administrator may be alerted when a hospital owned device, like an iPad or laptop, exits the defined area, and can disable the device remotely. The device may also be tracked via GPS to determine its location for recovery. Since hospitals use these types of devices for electronic patient records, it's important to track them in order to protect patient privacy.
Geofencing is also used by restaurants and retail stores in their mobile apps for smartphones. A consumer who downloads and authorizes the app to track their location will receive alerts when he enters the geofenced area established by the store or restaurant. The alerts are often coupons or ads for current sales. Specialized retail geofence systems allow retailers to notify users of specials based on where the shopper is located in the store. A shopper would receive an alert for a item on sale when they walked by that item. These types of retail geofence alerts usually require that a consumer download an app and approve sending their location to the retailer.
A geofence can also be used to provide consumer information to companies so they can assess their marketing and advertising strategy successes and failures. Recently, GeoIQ used this technology to help Old Navy understand the success of their Booty Appreciation Weekend, a campaign in which they offered 20% off a customer's entire purchase if they mentioned the word “booty” on their personal social media page.
Delivery organizations use geofences to track the location or their drivers and the routes they travel, using route information setup in the geofence software. The organization can then use the software to track how long a delivery will take based on the trucks location along the route. The software can track if the delivery vehicle travels off the planned route and send an alert to the organization, which can then determine if any action is required.
Geofences are used to protect people as well as to create alerts. A common use of geofencing is for Alzheimer's patients, who carry a wireless device that will trigger when they wander outside of an approved area. Parents and pet owners use geofences to make sure their children and pets don't go outside of a certain area, and are alerted if they do cross the fence.
To my way of thinking
A geofence is a modern-day technology that makes creating a fence a matter of drawing on a map. The ability to track someone's or something's location with inexpensive electronic devices and use location identification technologies like the Global Positioning System have made geofences a new way of creating fences and identifying if people are on the right or wrong side of them.
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