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date: Thu, 6 Dec 2007 03:09:01 -0800,
group: microsoft.public.mappoint.webservice
back
Re: Web service questions
The quick way of dealing with MapPoint out of date post codes is not to use
them!
We have the same problem and now use PAF information, which is updated every
3 months.
I use the PAF to translate Post Code to Lat/Long and use this to calculate
routes and locate Customer Sites.
It takes a bit of programming but overcomes the problems you describe.
Neil..
The only issue you might get is if you want more than the UK
"Jonathan Shields" wrote in
message news:F865EEDA-28D6-4F6B-9649-5FE54940CAE8@microsoft.com...
> Hi,
>
> I have had to resort to posting this question on here in an attempt to get
> some answers as unfortunately the Microsoft customer support/helpdesk have
> been hopeless in this regard. I am trying to get information about one of
> their products and I just end up speaking to an endless succession of call
> centre staff with no technical knowledge. Anyway...
>
> Currently, we use PC-based MapPoint 2006 integrated with several VB6 apps
to
> get driving times/distances between various UK postcodes. We also
generate
> maps both programatically and on an ad-hoc basis via the front-end.
>
> However, a stumbling block for us is the fact that the PC-based mapping
info
> is never updated, so UK postcodes now exist which are not in MapPoint
2006.
>
> I am assuming the web service has more regularly updated UK postcode data
> (maybe I am wrong?), so am looking into this as an option.
>
> We make around 600 driving time or address enquiries per day, with a
one-off
> batch of approximately 50'000 enquiries each year.
>
> We also generate and print an average of approximately 50 maps, each
> containing between 1 and 100 + addresses each day.
>
> We only require UK addresses in maps/drive time calculations.
>
> This is something which would need to be available to any user within our
> organisation. We have approximately 320 staff.
>
> Would this be practical to implement using the web service instead of the
> MapPoint app? Can anyone comment on the wisdom of doing this in VB6 or
could
> the communication with the web service be done in .NET and then the .NET
> component integrated with VB6?
> Does anyone know what kind of time I can expect each request for a
> map/driving distance to take?
>
> How about the UK postcodes - are they updated reasonably regularly within
> the web service?
>
> Also, can anyone direct me towards a pricing structure for this kind of
> solution?
>
> Apologies to post such a detailed question here but I cant find the
> information through any official channels.
>
> Thanks in advance for any help anyone is able to give
>
> Jonathan Shields
>
date: Thu, 6 Dec 2007 11:20:50 -0000
author: NeilH
Re: Web service questions
Neil - thanks for your response.
We do have access to PAF data via Matchcode ( a product which queries PAF
data and we use for address lookups etc). However I cant get grid refs or
lat/long that way as far as I can see.
If you are able to provide a bit of detail I would be interested to know how
you go about querying the PAF. I found the PAF file itself but am not sure
how to use it!
Thanks
Jonathan
"NeilH" wrote:
> The quick way of dealing with MapPoint out of date post codes is not to use
> them!
> We have the same problem and now use PAF information, which is updated every
> 3 months.
> I use the PAF to translate Post Code to Lat/Long and use this to calculate
> routes and locate Customer Sites.
> It takes a bit of programming but overcomes the problems you describe.
>
> Neil..
>
> The only issue you might get is if you want more than the UK
>
> "Jonathan Shields" wrote in
> message news:F865EEDA-28D6-4F6B-9649-5FE54940CAE8@microsoft.com...
> > Hi,
> >
> > I have had to resort to posting this question on here in an attempt to get
> > some answers as unfortunately the Microsoft customer support/helpdesk have
> > been hopeless in this regard. I am trying to get information about one of
> > their products and I just end up speaking to an endless succession of call
> > centre staff with no technical knowledge. Anyway...
> >
> > Currently, we use PC-based MapPoint 2006 integrated with several VB6 apps
> to
> > get driving times/distances between various UK postcodes. We also
> generate
> > maps both programatically and on an ad-hoc basis via the front-end.
> >
> > However, a stumbling block for us is the fact that the PC-based mapping
> info
> > is never updated, so UK postcodes now exist which are not in MapPoint
> 2006.
> >
> > I am assuming the web service has more regularly updated UK postcode data
> > (maybe I am wrong?), so am looking into this as an option.
> >
> > We make around 600 driving time or address enquiries per day, with a
> one-off
> > batch of approximately 50'000 enquiries each year.
> >
> > We also generate and print an average of approximately 50 maps, each
> > containing between 1 and 100 + addresses each day.
> >
> > We only require UK addresses in maps/drive time calculations.
> >
> > This is something which would need to be available to any user within our
> > organisation. We have approximately 320 staff.
> >
> > Would this be practical to implement using the web service instead of the
> > MapPoint app? Can anyone comment on the wisdom of doing this in VB6 or
> could
> > the communication with the web service be done in .NET and then the .NET
> > component integrated with VB6?
> > Does anyone know what kind of time I can expect each request for a
> > map/driving distance to take?
> >
> > How about the UK postcodes - are they updated reasonably regularly within
> > the web service?
> >
> > Also, can anyone direct me towards a pricing structure for this kind of
> > solution?
> >
> > Apologies to post such a detailed question here but I cant find the
> > information through any official channels.
> >
> > Thanks in advance for any help anyone is able to give
> >
> > Jonathan Shields
> >
>
>
>
date: Thu, 6 Dec 2007 04:22:00 -0800
author: Jonathan Shields
Re: Web service questions
Jonathan,
The Mappoint Web Service data is supposedly updated on a quarterly basis
although its really dependant on Microsoft's data providers. I do believe
that the data is more up to date than Mappoint CD.
If you need to use MWS for address geocoding and high volume calls MWS is
definately a feasible option. MWS supports batch geocoding (200,000+
records) if you need to send up data to get geocoded on a daily basis. If
you have pricing inquiries its best to email the Microsoft alias at
maplic@microsoft.com for more information.
Hope that helps,
--
Infusion Development
http://www.infusiondev.com
"Jonathan Shields" wrote:
> Neil - thanks for your response.
>
> We do have access to PAF data via Matchcode ( a product which queries PAF
> data and we use for address lookups etc). However I cant get grid refs or
> lat/long that way as far as I can see.
>
> If you are able to provide a bit of detail I would be interested to know how
> you go about querying the PAF. I found the PAF file itself but am not sure
> how to use it!
>
> Thanks
>
> Jonathan
>
> "NeilH" wrote:
>
> > The quick way of dealing with MapPoint out of date post codes is not to use
> > them!
> > We have the same problem and now use PAF information, which is updated every
> > 3 months.
> > I use the PAF to translate Post Code to Lat/Long and use this to calculate
> > routes and locate Customer Sites.
> > It takes a bit of programming but overcomes the problems you describe.
> >
> > Neil..
> >
> > The only issue you might get is if you want more than the UK
> >
> > "Jonathan Shields" wrote in
> > message news:F865EEDA-28D6-4F6B-9649-5FE54940CAE8@microsoft.com...
> > > Hi,
> > >
> > > I have had to resort to posting this question on here in an attempt to get
> > > some answers as unfortunately the Microsoft customer support/helpdesk have
> > > been hopeless in this regard. I am trying to get information about one of
> > > their products and I just end up speaking to an endless succession of call
> > > centre staff with no technical knowledge. Anyway...
> > >
> > > Currently, we use PC-based MapPoint 2006 integrated with several VB6 apps
> > to
> > > get driving times/distances between various UK postcodes. We also
> > generate
> > > maps both programatically and on an ad-hoc basis via the front-end.
> > >
> > > However, a stumbling block for us is the fact that the PC-based mapping
> > info
> > > is never updated, so UK postcodes now exist which are not in MapPoint
> > 2006.
> > >
> > > I am assuming the web service has more regularly updated UK postcode data
> > > (maybe I am wrong?), so am looking into this as an option.
> > >
> > > We make around 600 driving time or address enquiries per day, with a
> > one-off
> > > batch of approximately 50'000 enquiries each year.
> > >
> > > We also generate and print an average of approximately 50 maps, each
> > > containing between 1 and 100 + addresses each day.
> > >
> > > We only require UK addresses in maps/drive time calculations.
> > >
> > > This is something which would need to be available to any user within our
> > > organisation. We have approximately 320 staff.
> > >
> > > Would this be practical to implement using the web service instead of the
> > > MapPoint app? Can anyone comment on the wisdom of doing this in VB6 or
> > could
> > > the communication with the web service be done in .NET and then the .NET
> > > component integrated with VB6?
> > > Does anyone know what kind of time I can expect each request for a
> > > map/driving distance to take?
> > >
> > > How about the UK postcodes - are they updated reasonably regularly within
> > > the web service?
> > >
> > > Also, can anyone direct me towards a pricing structure for this kind of
> > > solution?
> > >
> > > Apologies to post such a detailed question here but I cant find the
> > > information through any official channels.
> > >
> > > Thanks in advance for any help anyone is able to give
> > >
> > > Jonathan Shields
> > >
> >
> >
> >
date: Thu, 6 Dec 2007 07:21:03 -0800
author: Derek Chan
Re: Web service questions
I use "GB Group plc" system but only use the dll for decoding, not their
front-end.
You have to ensure that you order the right version as you have to pay
yearly and they provide the data that you ask for. In my case I wanted
address's and Lat/Long and that is what I pay for. There is other data
available.
I use the dll in connection with VB6 and then display what I want in
MapPoint.
It is best to actually talk to them and discuss what you need. It worked
well in my case and I've been using them for about 10 years now with no
complaint.
Their phone number is 01244 657333 and their web site is www.gb.co.uk
Please note that I don't work for them, just a very satisfied customer.
Neil..
"Jonathan Shields" wrote in
message news:3A3704F5-B6E4-46DB-B933-6AAF162E577C@microsoft.com...
> Neil - thanks for your response.
>
> We do have access to PAF data via Matchcode ( a product which queries PAF
> data and we use for address lookups etc). However I cant get grid refs or
> lat/long that way as far as I can see.
>
> If you are able to provide a bit of detail I would be interested to know
how
> you go about querying the PAF. I found the PAF file itself but am not
sure
> how to use it!
>
> Thanks
>
> Jonathan
>
> "NeilH" wrote:
>
> > The quick way of dealing with MapPoint out of date post codes is not to
use
> > them!
> > We have the same problem and now use PAF information, which is updated
every
> > 3 months.
> > I use the PAF to translate Post Code to Lat/Long and use this to
calculate
> > routes and locate Customer Sites.
> > It takes a bit of programming but overcomes the problems you describe.
> >
> > Neil..
> >
> > The only issue you might get is if you want more than the UK
> >
> > "Jonathan Shields" wrote in
> > message news:F865EEDA-28D6-4F6B-9649-5FE54940CAE8@microsoft.com...
> > > Hi,
> > >
> > > I have had to resort to posting this question on here in an attempt to
get
> > > some answers as unfortunately the Microsoft customer support/helpdesk
have
> > > been hopeless in this regard. I am trying to get information about
one of
> > > their products and I just end up speaking to an endless succession of
call
> > > centre staff with no technical knowledge. Anyway...
> > >
> > > Currently, we use PC-based MapPoint 2006 integrated with several VB6
apps
> > to
> > > get driving times/distances between various UK postcodes. We also
> > generate
> > > maps both programatically and on an ad-hoc basis via the front-end.
> > >
> > > However, a stumbling block for us is the fact that the PC-based
mapping
> > info
> > > is never updated, so UK postcodes now exist which are not in MapPoint
> > 2006.
> > >
> > > I am assuming the web service has more regularly updated UK postcode
data
> > > (maybe I am wrong?), so am looking into this as an option.
> > >
> > > We make around 600 driving time or address enquiries per day, with a
> > one-off
> > > batch of approximately 50'000 enquiries each year.
> > >
> > > We also generate and print an average of approximately 50 maps, each
> > > containing between 1 and 100 + addresses each day.
> > >
> > > We only require UK addresses in maps/drive time calculations.
> > >
> > > This is something which would need to be available to any user within
our
> > > organisation. We have approximately 320 staff.
> > >
> > > Would this be practical to implement using the web service instead of
the
> > > MapPoint app? Can anyone comment on the wisdom of doing this in VB6
or
> > could
> > > the communication with the web service be done in .NET and then the
.NET
> > > component integrated with VB6?
> > > Does anyone know what kind of time I can expect each request for a
> > > map/driving distance to take?
> > >
> > > How about the UK postcodes - are they updated reasonably regularly
within
> > > the web service?
> > >
> > > Also, can anyone direct me towards a pricing structure for this kind
of
> > > solution?
> > >
> > > Apologies to post such a detailed question here but I cant find the
> > > information through any official channels.
> > >
> > > Thanks in advance for any help anyone is able to give
> > >
> > > Jonathan Shields
> > >
> >
> >
> >
date: Thu, 6 Dec 2007 15:32:53 -0000
author: NeilH
Re: Web service questions
Thanks for your helpful responses Neil and Derek. From a cost POV I think
the best way is to purchase lat/long data from our existing PAF supplier and
get at that programatically when I cant find an address in MapPoint.
That will be way cheaper and easier than switching over to the MapPoint ws.
Thanks again
Jonathan
"NeilH" wrote:
> I use "GB Group plc" system but only use the dll for decoding, not their
> front-end.
> You have to ensure that you order the right version as you have to pay
> yearly and they provide the data that you ask for. In my case I wanted
> address's and Lat/Long and that is what I pay for. There is other data
> available.
>
> I use the dll in connection with VB6 and then display what I want in
> MapPoint.
>
> It is best to actually talk to them and discuss what you need. It worked
> well in my case and I've been using them for about 10 years now with no
> complaint.
>
> Their phone number is 01244 657333 and their web site is www.gb.co.uk
>
> Please note that I don't work for them, just a very satisfied customer.
>
> Neil..
>
>
> "Jonathan Shields" wrote in
> message news:3A3704F5-B6E4-46DB-B933-6AAF162E577C@microsoft.com...
> > Neil - thanks for your response.
> >
> > We do have access to PAF data via Matchcode ( a product which queries PAF
> > data and we use for address lookups etc). However I cant get grid refs or
> > lat/long that way as far as I can see.
> >
> > If you are able to provide a bit of detail I would be interested to know
> how
> > you go about querying the PAF. I found the PAF file itself but am not
> sure
> > how to use it!
> >
> > Thanks
> >
> > Jonathan
> >
> > "NeilH" wrote:
> >
> > > The quick way of dealing with MapPoint out of date post codes is not to
> use
> > > them!
> > > We have the same problem and now use PAF information, which is updated
> every
> > > 3 months.
> > > I use the PAF to translate Post Code to Lat/Long and use this to
> calculate
> > > routes and locate Customer Sites.
> > > It takes a bit of programming but overcomes the problems you describe.
> > >
> > > Neil..
> > >
> > > The only issue you might get is if you want more than the UK
> > >
> > > "Jonathan Shields" wrote in
> > > message news:F865EEDA-28D6-4F6B-9649-5FE54940CAE8@microsoft.com...
> > > > Hi,
> > > >
> > > > I have had to resort to posting this question on here in an attempt to
> get
> > > > some answers as unfortunately the Microsoft customer support/helpdesk
> have
> > > > been hopeless in this regard. I am trying to get information about
> one of
> > > > their products and I just end up speaking to an endless succession of
> call
> > > > centre staff with no technical knowledge. Anyway...
> > > >
> > > > Currently, we use PC-based MapPoint 2006 integrated with several VB6
> apps
> > > to
> > > > get driving times/distances between various UK postcodes. We also
> > > generate
> > > > maps both programatically and on an ad-hoc basis via the front-end.
> > > >
> > > > However, a stumbling block for us is the fact that the PC-based
> mapping
> > > info
> > > > is never updated, so UK postcodes now exist which are not in MapPoint
> > > 2006.
> > > >
> > > > I am assuming the web service has more regularly updated UK postcode
> data
> > > > (maybe I am wrong?), so am looking into this as an option.
> > > >
> > > > We make around 600 driving time or address enquiries per day, with a
> > > one-off
> > > > batch of approximately 50'000 enquiries each year.
> > > >
> > > > We also generate and print an average of approximately 50 maps, each
> > > > containing between 1 and 100 + addresses each day.
> > > >
> > > > We only require UK addresses in maps/drive time calculations.
> > > >
> > > > This is something which would need to be available to any user within
> our
> > > > organisation. We have approximately 320 staff.
> > > >
> > > > Would this be practical to implement using the web service instead of
> the
> > > > MapPoint app? Can anyone comment on the wisdom of doing this in VB6
> or
> > > could
> > > > the communication with the web service be done in .NET and then the
> ..NET
> > > > component integrated with VB6?
> > > > Does anyone know what kind of time I can expect each request for a
> > > > map/driving distance to take?
> > > >
> > > > How about the UK postcodes - are they updated reasonably regularly
> within
> > > > the web service?
> > > >
> > > > Also, can anyone direct me towards a pricing structure for this kind
> of
> > > > solution?
> > > >
> > > > Apologies to post such a detailed question here but I cant find the
> > > > information through any official channels.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks in advance for any help anyone is able to give
> > > >
> > > > Jonathan Shields
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
>
>
>
date: Mon, 10 Dec 2007 04:28:00 -0800
author: Jonathan Shields
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