Location, Location, Location! Mastering Geolocation Data in SharePoint

I've written this article to equip you to unlock geolocation within SharePoint and Lists. I'll guide you through the concept of geolocation, how to configure it in SharePoint, and a list of real-world applications.

By the end, you'll get the proper understanding to decide whether to use it or not.

Geolocation Demystified

Geolocation, in simpler terms, refers to finding out where something is located on Earth. Technically, it involves using technology to determine the geographical position of an object or person.

Here's a breakdown of the concept:

• Geo: This part comes from the word "geography," which deals with the Earth's surface features and locations.
• Location: This refers to the specific position of something in space.

So, geolocation combines these ideas to pinpoint the geographic location of something, using various technologies.

Geolocation data is used in a wide range of applications, including:

• Navigation apps: Help users find their way and get directions.
• Location-based services: Offer services relevant to a user's location, like finding nearby restaurants or shops.
• Social media: Allow users to share their location with friends or check in at places.
• Business intelligence: Analyze customer behavior based on location data.
• Fleet management: Track the location of vehicles and optimize delivery routes.

The Geolocation Column in SharePoint

In SharePoint Online, geolocation refers specifically to a special type of column you can add to your lists and libraries. This column allows users to enter location data directly into the list items.

Here's what the geolocation column offers:

• Capture Location Data: Users can enter addresses, which can include details like street address, city, state, and postal code.
• Bing Maps Integration: As users type, the column suggests locations based on Bing Maps, making data entry faster and more accurate.
• Flexibility: You can choose to capture the entire address or specific components like just the city or postal code.
• Enhanced Views: Leverage the location data for filtering, sorting, and creating views that group or categorize items based on their location.

This geolocation column essentially adds a geographical dimension to your SharePoint data, allowing you to manage information with a location context.

Configuration Made Easy In SharePoint

Adding a location column to your SharePoint lists is a breeze for end users. This section provides a clear 5-step guide that walks you through the configuration process. Then, I explore some helpful tips for users when interacting with the geolocation column.

Adding a Location Column to your List

1. Access your SharePoint list or library:
   1. Navigate to the SharePoint site where your list or library resides.
   2. Click on the desired list or library name to open it.
2. Add a new column:
   1. Click on the "+" icon in the top toolbar and select "Add column" from the dropdown menu.
3. Choose the "Location" column type:
   1. In the "Add column" pane, scroll down the list of available column types.
   2. Locate and select "Location".
4. Customize your location column (Optional):
   1. Give your column a descriptive name in the "Column name" field. Consider what type of location data you'll be storing (e.g., "Branch Location", "Event Venue").
   2. By default, the location column captures full address information. You can choose to extract specific details during creation. Select the specific components you want to capture from the address (e.g., City, State/Province, Postal Code).
5. Save your new column:
   1. Once you've completed any customization, click "Save".

Using the Location Column

• Users can now enter location data directly into the column cells. As they type, suggestions will appear based on Bing Maps.
• Selecting a suggestion will populate the relevant address details based on your chosen components.
• You can also leverage the location column for filtering, sorting, and creating views based on location data.

Real-World Uses for Geolocation

Ever wondered why some apps ask for your location? It's not just for creepy stalking (hopefully)! A geolocation column in your data table unlocks some benefits for businesses and end-users alike. Here's how:

• Business Benefits:

  • Targeted Marketing: Imagine showing discount coupons to customers near your store or sending location-specific ad campaigns. Geolocation data helps target the right audience at the right time.
  • Fleet Management: Track delivery trucks, field technicians, or even salespeople in real time. Optimize routes, improve efficiency, and boost customer service.
  • Heatmaps and Analysis: See where your customers are concentrated or where service calls are most frequent. Identify trends and make data-driven decisions for better resource allocation.

• End-User Benefits:

  • Location-Based Search: Need a coffee shop nearby? A geolocation-enabled app can instantly find cafes close by, saving you precious time.
  • Personalized Recommendations: Music streaming services curate playlists based on your location, suggesting artists popular in your area.
  • Weather Updates: No more scrambling for the zip code! Get hyper-local weather forecasts based on your current location.
  • Event Discovery: Planning a weekend trip? Discover local events, festivals, or concerts happening around you with the help of geolocation.

Conclusion

This article equips you to leverage the geolocation column in SharePoint effectively. I'll delve into the concept of geolocation, explore it in SharePoint, and list real-world uses to unlock its full potential.

Are you thinking about how to use it for your intranet? In the next articles, I will show some intranet concepts to develop.

Share with your colleagues if you find this post useful.

References

• List and library column types and options: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/list-and-library-column-types-and-options-0d8ddb7b-7dc7-414d-a283-ee9dca891df7
• Compass in a map by Getty Images - Unsplash: https://unsplash.com/es/fotos/pasion-por-los-viajes-y-concepto-de-exploracion-brujula-antigua-que-yace-en-el-mapa-vista-superior-espacio-para-texto-imagen-de-tono-vintage-95WsGwmiZk4