Store Pass App: Utlising Geo-Fencing.

Although the post "The Store Pass App. Introductions and Features."explained briefly how the app would work in regards of location and notifcations however I'd like to expand on geo fencing.

"Programs that incorporate geo-fencing allow an administrator to set up triggers so when a device enters (or exits) the boundaries defined by the administrator, a text message or email alert is sent. Many geo-fencing applications incorporate Google Earth, allowing administrators to define boundaries on top of a satellite view of a specific geographical area.  Other applications define boundaries by longitude and latitude or through user-created and Web-based maps."

[Source - Rouse, M. (2013). geo-fencing (geofencing). Available: http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/geofencing. Last accessed 11th December 2013.]

Some practical uses that have been utilised for geo-fencing are parental controls. It's becoming more and more common that younger teenagers and children have smart phones these days and with parental controls, parents can be notified of when their child leaves a designated area. 

For construction workers, they can be notified of when they are entering no entry zones and receive SMS and alerts that way.

Geo fencing is a little bit like a gate that you can pass through.
So with geo fencing, you can set up the parameters in which you wish your offers to activate. These can be allocated as zones.

Here is an example I made using Google Maps. Depending on the parameters set by the user, they can opt in and out of as many areas/as wide of an area as they wish.

The iPhone has been using this technology for some time too now. Via the 'Remind me at a location' on the Reminders function.