Messaging app giant LINE unveiled the latest addition to its portfolio, a real-time location sharing app for Android and iPhone users called LINE Here.

Users create groups inside the app, and then invite contacts to join via the core LINE app, Facebook or text message. Locations are displayed as icons on a map, changing position in real-time.

In a statement, the company said that the app “holds great promise for the leisure crowd, as many people will find the idea of being able to meet up at outdoor barbecues, parties and other events without getting lost extremely attractive”.

Users can also choose to receive push notifications when contacts get close to or leave a registered location, with LINE citing a “family security” angle such as when a child arrives at after-school clubs or grandparents leave a house.

In order to address privacy concerns, user can set time limits on the availability of location sharing. And personal location sharing can also be turned off at any time.

LINE Here is available globally except South Korea and China. Supported languages are English, Japanese, traditional Chinese, Thai and Indonesian.

Building on the success of its messaging app, LINE has unveiled a number of spin-off titles addressing specific use cases, such as its B612 selfie photo app (which has more than 30 million monthly active users globally), a Lite version of its messaging app targeting emerging markets, its Emoji LINE icon keyboard, Popcorn Buzz group calling app, and a number of games.