Real-time GPS and location tracking services are one of the hottest growing trends. Here are a few that can help you find your way: Foursquare, NAVIGON MobileNavigator, and Google Maps.

Foursquare: If you haven’t “checked-in” at a location with the mobile app Foursquare, chances are you know somebody who has. The localization of online content is being aided by the GPS functionality of smartphones, and the business uses are just now being conceived.

Foursquare is a cross between a friend-finder, a social city-guide and a rewards game. It is designed to encourage users to discover new places and challenge them to explore their neighborhood businesses, hotspots and travel.

Users can access Foursquare anywhere by “checking-in.” Check-in is where users provide their location using Foursquare apps for iPhone, Blackberry, Android and Palm Pre. Users can also utilize the Foursquare mobile website or text feature to update their location.

NAVIGON MobileNavigator: Another GPS tracking service is NAVIGON MobileNavigator. It is one of the first iPhone apps to offer real turn-by-turn GPS navigation.

The latest version of the app has the ability to notify a user’s network their current location via Facebook or Twitter. It also adds an option called MyRoutes, which enables users to create custom routes according to their needs and habits. In addition, Panorama View 3D provides a 3D terrain view, based on NASA’s data.

Google Maps: Google Maps is another popular GPS mobile app. It allows users to find business locations and contact information in an integrated view. The user can also research the hours of operation, types of payment accepted, and reviews. Latitude is a feature on Google Maps, which allows users to see their friends on the Map.

In addition, Tweet mapping is in the works. Stay tuned for more information…

To learn more, visit: www.foursquare.com, www.navigon.com, and/or www.google.com/mobile