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locations.module faq

locations.module is an easily-implemented library of functions for calculating the distance between postcodes in Australia. The library can calculate distances between Australian localities and Australian Postcodes or a combination of both. This document contains frequently asked questions (and answers) about locations.module.

Is locations.module a hosted service?

No, the locations.module data and function library are installed at your website so you are in control of its performance.

Is the distance calculated between postcodes the straight line distance (as the crow flies) or the road distance?

The distance calculated between two postcodes is pretty much the straight-line distance; it's actually the great circle distance between the centre of the two postcodes, which will only differ slightly from the straight line distance.

What technical platforms are supported?

There ar two versions of locations.module, one using Berkley-DBD databases and Perl as the programming language, the other using mySQL as the database and PHP as the programming language.

How is locations.module licensed?

locations.module is licensed as a perpetual license for one website.

Is an implementation guide or integration document available?

Yes, implementation guides are available for either version of locations.module on request.

What is meant by a 'locality'?

As well as ~2,600 postcodes, locations.module includes location information for over 16,000 localities. An example is "Lane Cove West" in NSW - "Lane Cove West" is one of eight localities which together comprise the postcode 2066, each with their own location information. By making use of 'localities', your website can offer:

• an English-language interface
• finer granualrity then offered by postcodes

Can the locations.module functionality be extended to cover special requirements?

Yes indeed. Let us know what your particular custom requirements are and we'll be pleased to consider them.

Can other data be incorporated into the postcode information?

We are currently looking at offering a wide range of demographic information as an extension to locations.module; we would appreciate any input you might have to help determine the requirements.

Can locations.module be interfaced with Google Maps functionality?

Yes indeed. For a demonstration, click here.