Re: Zip code database

[Randy Norwood]

Ann Cantelow wrote:

> I wonder too, if there are other ways than using zip code coordinates to
> calculate distances.
> 
About the only way I can think of is to use geographic coordinates
(e.g., latitude/longitude or UTM). MapBlast and some other online
mapping services can include lat/long in their results.

Then, you need to do the calculation to find the distance between the
two points. This is described in many textbooks and online resources in
cartography. I'm working on a Perl-MySQL application to match potential
carpoolers based on the distance to other carpoolers or vanpool stops.
I'm using a Perl module called Math::Trig which will do the calculation
if you feed it the coordinates of the two points.


--
-------------------------
Randy Norwood
rnorwood@stripped
Austin, Texas USA