Ask Location
The Ask Location action allows the chatbot to collect the user's geographical location during a conversation.
This action prompts the user to share their location using the messaging platform's location-sharing feature. Once the user shares their location, the chatbot captures the latitude and longitude coordinates of the selected location.
The captured location data can be stored in a variable and used later in the chatbot workflow for delivery services, appointment scheduling, service availability checks, or location-based automation.
When to Use Ask Location
Use the Ask Location action when the chatbot needs to collect the user's physical location.
Common Use Cases
Delivery address verification
Finding nearby service providers
Location-based service availability
Pickup or drop-off coordination
Event check-in locations
Example interaction:
Bot: Please share your current location so we can continue with your request. User: 📍 Shares location
The chatbot then captures the coordinates of the shared location.
How to Add Ask Location
Follow these steps to add the Ask Location action to your bot workflow.
Open Bot Builder
Click Add Node
Select the Ask tab
Choose Ask Location
Configure the required fields
Click Create
Once added, the chatbot pauses at this step until the user shares their location.
Ask Location Configuration
When creating an Ask Location action, several configuration fields must be completed.
Action Name
The Action Name identifies the action inside the bot workflow.
This name is visible only within the bot builder.
Example:
Collect User Location Capture Delivery Location Get Customer Coordinates
The walkthrough example uses "Collect User Location" as the action name.
Message
The Message field contains the prompt shown to the user requesting their location.
Example:
Please share your current location so we can continue with your request.
This message instructs users to share their location using the messaging platform's location feature.
The message supports:
Dynamic variables
Text formatting
Emojis
Variables can be inserted using the Add Variable option.
Error Attempt
The Error Attempt field defines the number of invalid attempts allowed.
Example:
Error Attempt: 3
If the user fails to share a valid location multiple times, the chatbot triggers the configured Action on Invalid behavior.
Error Message
The Error Message is displayed when the user provides an invalid response instead of sharing a location.
Example:
Please share a valid location to proceed.
This helps guide users to share their location correctly.
Action on Invalid
This setting determines how the chatbot responds when the maximum error attempts are exceeded.
Available options include:
End the Flow
Stops the chatbot conversation.
Skip the Question
Allows the chatbot to continue the workflow without collecting location data.
Fall Back Flow
Redirects the user to another predefined chatbot flow.
Store Response in Variable
The Store Response in Variable option saves the captured location data.
Example variable:
user_location
The walkthrough demonstrates creating a new variable named User_Location to store the collected coordinates.
Creating a New Variable
If no suitable variable exists, follow these steps:
Click Create New Variable.
Enter the variable name.
Example:
User_Location
Select the variable in the Store Response field.
Click Create to finalize the configuration.
Data Captured by Ask Location
When the user shares their location, the chatbot captures:
Latitude
Longitude
Map location reference
These coordinates allow the system to identify the user's exact geographic position.
Example Ask Location Interaction
Example chatbot conversation:
Bot: Please share your current location so we can continue with your request. User: 📍 Shares location
The chatbot stores the location coordinates in the variable:
User_Location
and continues the workflow.
Best Practices
Follow these recommendations when using Ask Location.
Clearly explain why location is needed
Users are more likely to share their location when they understand the purpose.
Provide clear instructions
Tell users to use the location sharing option in the chat.
Handle invalid responses
Use helpful error messages when users send incorrect input.
Store location properly
Save coordinates in variables for later processing.
Use location data responsibly
Ensure location data is used only for the intended service.
Summary
The Ask Location action allows chatbots to collect user location data through map-based sharing.
With Ask Location, you can:
Collect geographic coordinates from users
Request location sharing through chat platforms
Validate location input
Store coordinates in variables
Use location data for delivery, navigation, and service automation
This feature helps businesses provide location-based services and improve operational efficiency through chatbot automation.
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