Filter records within a mile radius

[Dee]

I am searching for a solution to be able to filter records in access within,
for example, a 100 mile radius. I know there has to be a way even if it is
programatically since marketing databases give you the option of downloading
leads within such a radius. Does anyone know how I could create such a
filter in Access 2003? Please advise as soon as possible. I know there has
to be a way .

Thanks!!!

Dee Anna

 

[Klatuu]

If there is a field that identifies the distance from you, you could use that
as a filter. If it is some other way, like GPS, then you will need a function
that calculates the distance based on the GPS location of the prospect and
your GPS location and use the result as the filter.

 

[Dee]

So as far as you know, there isn't a way to use the zip code in any way to
calculate this? thx

 

[Klatuu]

I really don't know. I would go to the USPS web site and see what they have
and google on zip code info. I would be willing to bet someone has written a
routine that would help with this.
One big problem is the varying sizes of zip codes and how they are laid out.

 

[Dee]

Thank you

I really don't know. I would go to the USPS web site and see what they have
and google on zip code info. I would be willing to bet someone has written a
routine that would help with this.
One big problem is the varying sizes of zip codes and how they are laid out.

 

[chris.nebinger]

The solution you would need would be based on the data that you have.
Do you have lat/long coords? If so, then google "Calculate distance
Lat Long" If you have zip codes, then I found:

http://webservices.imacination.com/distance/

You could use a web service like that to determine distance.

 

[Dee]

Thanks Chris,

My problem is saying I have 4,000 records in Texas alone... I need, say 100
mile radius starting with 75002 as the center. This zip code would ideally
be the center of the city and I need a radius of 100 miles out from that zip
code. The service we used to download the leads offers the option of
downloading a specified radius, but I had one of the assistants simply
download the entire state that met certain criteria that way we could sort
the data as we wanted and run reports based on the data, etc.... Only there
hasn't been a way to run reports on a radius which is what my boss wants
since we turn up more records within a 100 mile radius than we would
filtering by Metro Area of a city or by the city alone. A significantly
amount more. I just hate to have to turn around and ask the assistants to
download the same records again just so that we can go by the radius since
all of the records are available to us in the database right now.... it's
just a matter of being able to filter the records we want.

Thanks again,

Dee Anna

 

[chris.nebinger]

If you are doing it from a set point, then you could get the zip's in
Texas, run it through to get distance from your location, then save
that mileage. Then you don't have to recalculate it every time. That
might be the best solution.