About GeoRanking

The rise of internet usage has created the ability to track online usage and viewing patterns. This online tracking data has spawned an entire industry of collecting, analyzing, and distributing this type of information. GeoRanking replicates online tracking to the physical world by tracking and analyzing consumer habits and patterns in the physical world. GeoRanking data is collected and placed into a database to create a ranking index for stores, locations, and attractions. Visual heat maps are generated from this data to visually portray a “Georanking IndexTM”. The Georanking Index is created by combining tracking data and demographic information from consumers that are recruited to carry personal Global Positioning System (GPS) devices. Subscribers to the Georanking Index are those that find benefit to understanding the patterns and habits of consumers including retailers, property developers, urban planning organizations, redevelopment agencies and advertising/marketing groups.

Existing methods for obtaining consumer related data in the physical world lack the detail that the GeoRanking Index provides. Data is readily available for traffic patterns of motor vehicles via current methodology found at roadways, parking areas, and structures. Imbedded counters, cameras, and visual counting techniques provide data on vehicles driven to locations. However, motor vehicle traffic patterns do not provide detail on where occupants actually spend time and shop, particularly when there are multiple stores located in shopping districts. Each of the these data collection methods are tied to motor vehicle activity and do not provide direct human activity tracking.

There are even existing methods for conducting analysis on human activity. People counting devices are used to identify the volume of human activity within stores, shopping malls and districts. This type of data is less widely available and is considered proprietary when conducted at privately owned shopping centers and malls. Consumer surveys are sometimes conducted in conjunction with counting devices to extrapolate visitor shopping patterns, but this type of data is limited in its tracking abilities and is also proprietary to the property owner. The concept of GeoRanking overcomes the challenge of collecting data from areas that are considered both public and private. Restrictions normally placed on collecting data on private property are not an issue for GPS devices, for they are actively collecting data while the consumer is browsing and shopping.