Amazon Location Service Geofences
Geofence collection resources allow you to store and manage geofences - virtual boundaries on a map. You can evaluate locations against a geofence collection resource and receive notifications when the location update crosses the boundary of any of the geofences in the collection.
Geofences and geofence collection
A geofence is a polygon or circle geometry that defines a virtual boundary on a map. A
geofence collection contains zero or more geofences. It's capable of geofence monitoring by
emitting ENTER and EXIT events, when requested, to evaluate a
device position against its geofences.
Geofence events
Locations for positions you're monitoring are referenced by an ID called a
DeviceId. The positions are referred to as device positions. You can send a
list of device positions to evaluate directly to the geofence collection resource, or you
can use a tracker. For more information about using trackers, see Amazon Location Service trackers.
You receive events (via Amazon EventBridge) only when a device enters or exits a geofence, not for every position change. This means that you will typically receive events and have to respond to them much less frequently than every device position update.
Note
For the first location evaluation for a specific DeviceID, it is assumed that the
device was previously not in any geofences. So the first update will generate an
ENTER event, if inside a geofence in the collection, and no event if
not.
In order to calculate whether a device has entered or exited a geofence, Amazon Location Service must keep previous position state for the device. This position state is stored for 30 days. After 30 days without an update for a device, a new location update will be treated as the first position update.
Use cases for Amazon Location Service Geofences
The following are a few common uses for Amazon Location Service Geofences.
Improve field service operations
Keep a pulse on your mobile workforce with real-time tracking. Set geofences around customer sites and service areas to receive alerts when staff arrive and depart. Use location data to optimize scheduling, dispatch the nearest available technician, and reduce response times. Empower your field teams (such as a your plumbing or HVAC repair business) to work more efficiently, while enhancing the customer experience.
Monitor and control critical assets
Utilize Amazon Location Service to track the real-time location and status of your valuable equipment, inventory, and other mobile assets. Set up geofences to receive alerts on unauthorized movements or removals, enhancing security and compliance. Use this location visibility to improve asset utilization, optimize maintenance schedules, and ensure your critical resources are accounted for at all times. Always monitor your heavy machinery, IT hardware, or retail inventory with precision, reduce losses, and make more informed operational decisions.
Enhance supply chain visibility
Leverage Amazon Location Service to track shipments and deliveries across your entire supply chain. Define geofences around distribution centers, stores, and other key facilities to monitor the movement of inventory and assets. Use real-time location data to improve inventory management, optimize logistics planning, and deliver a superior customer experience. Gain end-to-end visibility into your supply chain operations, identify bottlenecks, and make data-driven decisions that drive efficiency and responsiveness.
Strengthen safety and security
Geofencing enables you to set up virtual boundaries around secure areas, restricted zones, and other critical locations. Receive instant alerts when unauthorized personnel or assets enter or exit these predefined geofences. Leverage this real-time location monitoring to enhance workplace safety, deter trespassing, and ensure regulatory compliance. Whether you manage a manufacturing facility, construction site, or corporate campus, geofencing empowers you to maintain tighter control over access, improve incident response, and protect your people, property, and assets.
Location-based marketing
Unlock the power of location data to supercharge your geomarketing efforts. Use Amazon Location Service to set virtual boundaries around competitor locations, events, and high-traffic areas. Trigger personalized ads, offers, and notifications when customers enter these geofenced zones. Analyze foot traffic patterns to optimize ad placements and uncover prime sites for new business locations. Monitor customer movements within your own geofenced spaces to gain deeper insights on browsing behaviors and path-to-purchase. Combine real-time location tracking with precision geofencing to deliver hyper-targeted, contextual engagement that drives sales and loyalty in the physical world.
