Postcode Distance Calculator

[sanjiv]

Hi

I need a HTML and JavaScript or PHP script to get the driving distance (not as the crow flys) between two postcodes. Can anyone help?

Thanks

 

[ooh]

Google maps has the caperbility to do this. So look at that. They offer API's for it: http://code.google.com/apis/maps/

Also, and this isn't so useful/practical right now but is something to watch out for in the future, the government, towards the end of last year, said they were going to make Ordinance Survey's mapping data (and possibly postcode data, but not so sure about that) available digitally for free. When or if this'll happen, and to what extent it'll happen, as in how good a service will actually be available to developers/small businesses to use on their sites I'm not sure. Fingers crossed though. Ah, just having searched there's this: http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/blog/2010/mar/17/ordnance-survey-consultation-ending . I couldn't be bothered to read it right now but looks like there's a bit development.

 

[sanjiv]

Thing is that I barely know JavaScript. Was wondering if there is anything out there already which is ready made or someone else has written their own. There is one I have found, based on Google maps, but doesn't work well.

 

[ooh]

Hmm, maybe time to learn JavaScript? If you know much of any programming language it really isn't that hard. I haven't used the Google Maps API myself though, so can't comment how hard or easy that part of it is. I don't think it'd be that hard. There's books on it even. Anyway, I don't know of any premade JS ones but I guess there must be some... maybe someone else knows.

 

[tony84]

google maps, aa routefinder, theres loads out there. I think bing might even do one as well.

 

[holidays2crete]

taxi firms use thiss technology, only public i know of is aa routefinder, but thats just on their website, maybe they licence it?

 

[TotallySport]

i think postcode anywhere have a setup but no idea what is it or how good it is.

 

[MartCactus]

Also, and this isn't so useful/practical right now but is something to watch out for in the future, the government, towards the end of last year, said they were going to make Ordinance Survey's mapping data (and possibly postcode data, but not so sure about that) available digitally for free. When or if this'll happen, and to what extent it'll happen, as in how good a service will actually be available to developers/small businesses to use on their sites I'm not sure. Fingers crossed though. Ah, just having searched there's this: http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/blog/2010/mar/17/ordnance-survey-consultation-ending . I couldn't be bothered to read it right now but looks like there's a bit development.

Last thing I saw re the postcode data was that its not going to happen...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/jan/22/postcode-petition-fails-blocked-number-ten

which is a shame, because there is so many useful things that can be done with it.

 

[iboxsecurity]

@Sanjiv - we created a couple of small apps that use the Google Maps API including just what you are after. Send me a pm or email and let me know the exact brief you are looking to get done and I will get back to you ASAP.

 

[KidsBeeHappy]

Last thing I saw re the postcode data was that its not going to happen...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/jan/22/postcode-petition-fails-blocked-number-ten

which is a shame, because there is so many useful things that can be done with it.

I think the OS data is to be made free, but that the actual useful address file isn't. Sensible eh?

 

[hostedweb]

You could try this http://www.sloomedia.com/php_postcode_script.php ?

 

[sanjiv]

Thanks guys. I managed to write my own code in PHP for this. It is now resolved. If any of you are interested in seeing it: onecouriers.com/quote.php

 

[KidsBeeHappy]

Blimey, 70p a mile - is that same day rates? That's very very good!

 

[sanjiv]

Sorry mate, I am just the designer so I don't really know. If you are after any of their services, please do not hesitate to contact, via the contact form.

Thanks

 

[Investors-Wanted]

Hve you got the UK Postcode and co-ordinates.

If not please let me know.

 

[sanjiv]

I have got that as a backup solution. My main quotation page uses Google to get road distances.

 

[Alex@PCA]

Hi,

Just to respond to the post regarding us at Postcode Anywhere, we have a service available that allows you to calculate road travelled distances. This is charged for on a pay-as-you-go type basis.

If you're still interested, feel free to check out the product on our website.

Thanks
Alex Schofield
Postcode Anywhere

 

[jenny_uk]

I found postcoder.tenfourzero.net (sorry, I can't post links yet) to be one of the best tools around.

You can search full postcodes accurate to within one metre and it's updated frequently.

There's free searches or premium searches, depending on what you're after.

 

[sanjiv]

I already developed a program myself to do this using data from Google Maps. Also I needed it to be on my website.

Thanks anyway.

 

[Billmccallum]

Thanks guys. I managed to write my own code in PHP for this. It is now resolved. If any of you are interested in seeing it: onecouriers.com/quote.php

I think you might need to re-visit your script...

Get your goods delivered for as little as:
£229.60 for a Small Van
£3280 for a Transit Van
£393.60 for an XLWB Sprinter Van

 

[sanjiv]

hmmm.. That can't be right because it is using the distance and multiplying it by a decimal.

What postcodes did you enter?

 

[Mpg]

I just did a check and

Get your goods delivered for as little as:
£60 for a Small Van
£8.60 for a Transit Van
£10.30 for an XLWB Sprinter Van


PM if you want the postcodes i checked Look damn expensive for a small van.


Or its missing a decimal point

EDIT not the only one I'll PM the postcodes to you

 

[sanjiv]

Thanks very much guys
Sorted it now

 

[Mpg]

Thats better.

Glad to help

 

[sanjiv]

It was because I was rounding to 1 decimal place and adding a 0 to the end. When there was an exact figure, it would add the 0 to the end anyway. Now I have done it so that it rounds to 1 decimal place and makes sure there is .00 on the end if it is an exact figure using:

printf('%02.2f', round(($matches[1]*0.7),1));

 

[MASSEY]

I just enter'd a route that i taxi every now and again and it works out half price.

Do they courier people also?

 

[sanjiv]

haha maybe lol
give them a call