A location-based service or LBS is used to track the location of users
within a wireless network by using location-enabled mobile devices. The LBS
makes use of GIS technology and the internet to track the location of users.
The user-initiated LBS require an internet connection to gather the user’s
location and provide search results. The various location-enabled mobile
devices are smartphones, tablets, PNDs, and location-enabled devices fitted in
vehicles. A LBS is used for discovering places and routes, tracking, obtaining
traffic updates, real-time directions, routes to landmarks, information
regarding ongoing local events, finding friends, location-based advertising,
location-based shopping, location-based social networking, and location-enabled
searches. It is also used for location-based entertainment and infotainment.
Analysts forecast the LBS market in
China will grow at a CAGR of 29.76 percent over the
period 2013-2018.
The Report recognizes the following companies as the key players in LBS
Market in China: AutoNavi Holdings Ltd. , Dianping.com, Digu.com, Jiepang Api,
NavInfo Co. Ltd. , Autonavi , Bafang, Baidu Inc., Digu.com , Guantu, Jiepang
Api , Kaikai.com, Maopao Community,Naviinfo , NetEase Inc., PDAger Technology,
Qieke.com, Sifang, Sina Corp., Telenav, Tencent Holdings Ltd., Tiros
Technology, VLD, Weibo.com.
The increasing popularity of triple-play services is an emerging trend in
China. China rolled out its national triple network project in 2010 and is
expected to complete the project by 2015. With the increasing adoption of
GPS-enabled smartphones and mobile broadband services, mobile LBS is fast
gaining popularity in China. For instance, enterprises are increasingly
adopting location-based search and advertising services to attract customers.
Using LBS-enabled smartphones, customers can search and view advertisements
specific to their current location provided by these enterprises. Further, with
the emergence of LBS, social networking and online mapping service providers
are finding newer and better opportunities to tap the growing market. For
instance, the mobile internet service providers in China are using LBS to make
mobile social networking and blogging more attractive to its consumers. This is
expected to propel the growth of the market during the forecast period.
The LBS market in China can be divided into three segments: LBS Maps,
Mobile LBS, and LBS Services.
LBS Market in China 2014-2018, has been prepared based on an in-depth
market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report focuses on the
LBS market in China landscape and its growth prospects in the coming years. The
report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.
According to the report, one of the main drivers in this market is the
increased adoption of mobile broadband services. Unlike European countries,
China was a late adopter of 3G services. However, the market penetration of 3G
services is very fast in China. Currently, China has more than one billion mobile
subscribers, of which over 417 million use 3G services.
Further, the report states that one of the major challenges in this
market is the increased concerns over data privacy of the users. End-users are
concerned about the disclosure, consent, and security of personal data for
accessing LBS services. The extraction of contextual information relating to
end-users using advanced mobile applications is one of the major concerns among
end-users in the market.
