The present disclosure is directed to a method of enabling an application programmed on a mobile device to collect data. The application may operate in the background of the mobile device and be temporarily activated, and may be capable of collecting data while activated. The method may include receiving location data indicating a current location of the mobile device, generating a set of custom virtual borders around the current location, and instructing an operating system of the mobile device to temporarily activate the application when the mobile device crosses one or more of the custom virtual borders. The method is repeated upon temporary activation of the application, such that an updated set of custom virtual borders is generated when the mobile device crosses one or more of the previous custom virtual borders.