UK Postcode -> Bus Stop prototype

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Uses NaPTAN data, MySQL spatial extensions and Google Maps API.

See also Parasec's very similar tool, Yell.com's bus stop and route information, and of course Google's own bus stop markers on Google Maps.

August 20, 2008

Comments

Seems alright although only centres on the first half of the postcode.

Posted by: kehan on August 21, 2008 9:24 AM

So that's why it's a bit off - Google's geocoding API must be limiting the accuracy of its results.

Posted by: alf on August 21, 2008 9:29 AM

Neat - but the NAPTAN data is missing 2 key bus stops in my rural area.

Posted by: Ben Toth on August 21, 2008 11:22 AM

Yes, Google is only doing low-precision postcode geocoding these days: http://groups.google.com/group/Google-Maps-API/msg/387c7df07a9b9b2c

As an alternative, you can pass 'lat' and 'lon' parameters instead - this should also be useful for mobile devices with GPS.

Posted by: alf on August 21, 2008 11:36 AM

Nice hack! You might be interested in the Transit Developers mailing list:
http://groups.google.com/group/transit-developers

Posted by: Joe Hughes on August 21, 2008 12:00 PM

I use MultiMap's API to convert postcodes to more accurate (AFAICT) lat/lon.

Posted by: Phil Wilson on August 21, 2008 5:19 PM

Thanks Phil - I've switched postcode (but not address) lookup to MultiMap now and it seems much more accurate.

I wonder how they're allowed to provide greater precision?

Posted by: alf on August 21, 2008 5:34 PM

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