I want to build a website where you can search by entering the postcode (UK). I know that RoyalMail owns the Database to do this (it's only very expensive, $100K). What are my options?
+4
A:
You can now get Ordinance Survey postcode data free of charge at http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/oswebsite/opendata/
Luke Bennett
2010-06-06 21:38:10
Not sure this is what the questioner wants. I presume he's asking for a postcode to address converter. I think the OS resources will convert postcode to geo-location data, but not provide a full address?
PaulG
2010-06-06 21:48:10
OP didn't mention anything about addresses - I took him to mean he needs to be able to work out which properties fall within a radius of the given postcode. To do this he needs to convert postcode data in his database to lat-long (which he can do with the OS data) and then perform a spatial search. Perhaps the OP can clarify if this is not the case.
Luke Bennett
2010-06-06 21:59:42
Yes, you're probably right (just noticed his comment on the question). I was misled somewhat by the mention of the Royal Mail database, which is explicitly for converting postcodes to addresses (or vice versa). +1 to you, I'll remove my answer
PaulG
2010-06-10 20:03:39
+1
A:
There's an alternative service that allows you to access their data with an API: http://www.geonames.org/export/web-services.html, or download the data: http://www.geonames.org/.
I'm not entirely sure how usable or complete their data is, though.
David Thomas
2010-06-06 22:18:11
A:
We've been using AFD's web services for UK postcode lookup for a number of years. They offer various online products, some of which may meet your requirements: http://www.afd.co.uk/products.asp?expand=Internet.
I can't comment on the cost as our client holds the contract with them but I believe it depends on the usage level and, at least in a commercial context, isn't all that expensive.
Simon Forrest
2010-06-06 22:32:48
A:
$100k is way over the top - for a website you can have RoyalMail data directly from them for about GBP6k. This is for unlimited annual licence including data delivery. You would have to register as a reseller and enter into a formal contract.
Our company CraftyClicks resells the PAF and for most people buying from us ends up costing LESS then going direct to RoyalMail.
Adam
2010-07-02 10:27:33