# Discrete Location-Sharing Apps This Social-Mapping App Allows Users to See Where Their Friends Are By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2015-10-07 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/socialmapping-app References: [betalist](http://betalist.com/startups/forest) & [getforest.io](http://getforest.io/) 'Forest' is a social-mapping app that allows users to see where their friends and family are in real-time. Although mobile devices keep consumers connected to one another, there are still limitations on knowing exactly where people are at a given time. This app provides a discrete way for users to find out where their friends and family are without having to send a message first. The app features a simple interface that allows users to see who is at a given location. Users can set up different groups with friends and family to help keep each other in the loop. Unlike other [location-sharing services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kliq), users do not need to check-in or share their exact location. The app will simply alert other users in the group to the arrival of their friends. The discrete social-mapping app is largely intended for parents who want to check in on their children or co-workers who might want to keep tabs on who is left at the office. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.7/10 - Popularity: 22% | Activity: 51% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Real-time Location-sharing:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop a location-sharing app that provides real-time updates on the whereabouts of friends, family, or colleagues without the need for constant manual updates. - **Discrete Social-mapping:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create a social-mapping app that allows users to discreetly find out where their friends and family are without the need for direct communication. - **Group Location Notifications:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Build a location-sharing service that sends notifications to a designated group of users when a friend or family member arrives at a specified location. ### Who This Affects Most - **Mobile App Development:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore the development of advanced location-sharing features and interfaces to enhance existing mobile apps or create new ones. - **Parental Monitoring:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop comprehensive platforms or apps that enable parents to discreetly monitor their children's whereabouts in real-time. - **Corporate Communications:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create solutions that allow colleagues to check-in on each other's location without the need for constant messaging or direct communication. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Customizable Friendship-Forging Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iradius-networking-app.md) - [Location-Based Social App Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snapchat-home-safe.md) - [Family Safety Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/family-safety-app.md) - [Location-Based Message Sharing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sharepath.md) - [Real-Time Tracker Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/safety-alerts.md) - [Arrival Notification Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arrival-notifications.md) - [Location-Based Photo Sharing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/personalized-picture-albums.md) - [Group Location Sharing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kliq.md) - [Social City Exploration Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/geometrik-app.md)