[ILUG] OT: Open Source Postcode

[Kevin Brennan]

reflecting on this issue, I think if adopting a 'geo-location post code' 
system, it would be better to choose a system which can work worldwide 
rather than just local to Ireland. The reference origin can be 
determined based on a country code prefix (in most cases) or omitted for 
a local context. Of course this will be at the expense of a slightly 
longer code (2 extra digits excluding the cc prefix?) to accommodate the 
larger land masses, however imho it makes more sense to think globally. 
The advantage of an open system geo-location code is that it can 
co-exist and possibly compliment other other post code systems already 
in use.

/KB

On 26/07/2011 13:57, Ian Spillane wrote:
> I agree. But routing tools are another matter. In fact I can enter
> coordinates in my Garmin already it will plot me a route. The boundaries of
> any district or division can easily be plotted against geolocation codes and
> a simple database of regular areas would return results on a very
> straightforward query - something UK postcodes can't do with a complete list
> of postcodes and addresses in a large database.
>
> The current tools online demonstrate a lot already:
> http://tinyurl.com/openpostcodegoogle and for instance
> tinyurl.com/confirmlocation/?opc=HBBR-48D-N
>
> The code is now mathematically the most accurate in the country, compatible
> with UK codes in Northern Ireland, has no numerical only codes, and any
> accidentally spelled words.
>
> And of course I don't have to tell anyone here how important opensource is
> when thinking about postcodes.
>
> On 26 July 2011 13:24, Kevin Lyda<kevin at ie.suberic.net>  wrote:
>
>> I understand that.  However an open source tool for sorting these
>> codes into separate piles based on a configurable block of codes would
>> likely be useful.
>>
>> Say I want all postcodes on Foo St, Ballygobackwards.  Or I want all
>> the postcodes within a specific parish.  Or all postcodes in a given
>> electoral constituency.
>>
>> Or I'm one of those courier companies and I know a route covers six
>> major roads and I want to sort all packages that are on those roads or
>> on a number of side streets.
>>
>> If there were tools like that which you could demonstrate, then I
>> think you'd get a lot more interest from people.
>>
>> I like it - and I have more hope that
>>
>> Ballinvoher
>> Caherlistrane
>> Co. Galway  HBBR-48D-N
>>
>> will be found that w/o a post code.  I just think if tools that help
>> delivery companies show up than it will be easier to make this happen.
>>
>> Kevin
>>
>> On Tue, Jul 26, 2011 at 12:08, Ian Spillane<iantheteacher at gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>> Fact is that modern post office sorting has long since gone beyond such
>>> sorting and the post office here use a geolocation database for sorting -
>>> besides, routes change; and while the post office are happy with their
>> own
>>> internal database it would be useful for every other courier, supplier,
>>> tradesman, emergency service to have a location code.
>>>
>>> On 26 July 2011 11:48, Kevin Lyda<kevin at ie.suberic.net>  wrote:
>>>>
>>>> On Sun, Jul 17, 2011 at 13:32, Ian Spillane<iantheteacher at gmail.com>
>>>> wrote:
>>>>> Good news: a new interactive map is available for mapping and
>>>>> generating OpenPostcodes:
>>>>
>>>> I followed this thread for a while, but failed to comment due to
>>>> travelling.  I'm curious though about why you want to tie in GPS with
>>>> a post code system.  I get that it solves the problem of allocation,
>>>> but at least in the States postal codes were related to the routes the
>>>> post office used to deliver mail.
>>>>
>>>> That doesn't preclude using a GPS based allocation, but having tools
>>>> to sort arbitrary blocks of postal codes would be a requirement for a
>>>> postal service.
>>>>
>>>> Kevin
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Kevin Lyda
>>>> Dublin, Ireland
>>>> US Citizen overseas? We can vote.
>>>> Register now: http://www.votefromabroad.org/
>>>
>>>
>>