Okay, I have followed the link that Rossko provided for geocoding “at the server” (I assume this is the same thing as saying “server- side”). My browser is acting a little funny, but it appears that he is trying to direct me to the specific item “Geocoding via HTTP”. Following that link, it says:
“This service is designed for geocoding static (known) addresses using a REST interface, for placement of application content on a map. For dynamic geocoding of user-defined addresses (for example, within a user interface element), consult the documentation for the JavaScript Client Geocoder or the Maps API for Flash Client Geocoder.” I guess I don’t quite understand the distinction between static and dynamic as it is used here. Since the addresses to be geocoded are being received from a user through an html form, it would seem that the address comes from a “user interface element”. However, since Rossko sent me here, I am assuming that this will work for my situation and I will follow through and see if I can figure out how to make this work. If I am misunderstanding anything and am not on the right track please be kind enough to message back and clarify. Thanks again for all your help. On Feb 26, 1:48 am, Rossko <[email protected]> wrote: > > Apparently I can use Google to get these distances and am > > thrilled that this service is freely available. > > Slow down a minute, it's not all freely available, it comes with terms > and conditions. You need to check your plans against > those.http://code.google.com/apis/maps/terms.html > Specifically, Google geo-services require you to display content they > supply on a Google map (ultimately). You haven't mentioned a map in > your plans, so that may rule out using Google data. > > > 1. Get the exact address/location that Google can use to calcuclate > > the distances (I believe this is referred to as geocoding) > > Yes. If you want to do this at the server, you > canhttp://code.google.com/apis/maps/documentation/services.html#Geocodin... > If you fall foul of Google's terms, you may look at other services, > there are many > -http://groups.google.com/group/google-maps-api/web/resources-non-goog... > > > 2. I then need to go to Google with this info to calculate the > > distances between lots of (all of?) the different addresses on a > > repeating basis. > > There's a choice to made here. Do you mean straight-line distance? > That can simply be calculated by well known algorithms. > > If you mean by-road, services like Directions can supply that > -http://code.google.com/apis/maps/documentation/services.html#Directions > However Google Directions are NOT available server-side, can only be > called client-side from one of the APIs. > > Without knowing what you need the info for, a combination is > possible. e.g. for "find the nearest" you might use straight-line to > eliminate all but a few and only fetch by-road distance for the few > candidates. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Google Maps API" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/google-maps-api?hl=en.
