Good idea. I’ve made it suggest trying first bit it the full postcode doesnt work

thanks

One way round the old postcode problem is to suggest to people that they only search on the first half. I only searched on my full postcode because the example on the search screen is a full postcode. The first part (in my case RG4) would be good enough for me. That may not work for everyone, though, especially if completely new postcodes have been allocated to new building developments.

I do appreciate the problem regarding licences for the post code database. It is a ridiculous situation, as you say. Surely they could make a more recent version (say 5/6 years old) generally available. I guess we just have to keep campaigning.

Regards

Karen

Yes we use a database from about 12 years ago, simply because that is the best possible datasource we can get for free (and legal!)

To use a more uptodate (and accurate) database of postcodes, would mean purchasing a licence of the data, which would start at about £2500 a year. Considering the project runs on minimal money, that is basically out of the question (it would then be our single biggest expense!)

A ridiculous situation I agree, but while there is a monopoly on the data we the british public without deep pockets are stuck. See http://www.freeourdata.org.uk/

Thanks for the comments.

“With regards to postcodes, there was an issue a few weeks ago, but I think its fixed, are they still giving issue?”

Yes they are.

If I search on my postcode RG4 5BE I get the message “Invalid Postcode or a newer Postcode not in our database, please try a different search method.”

If I search on my old postcode RG4 0BE it does come up with results. The postcode was changed 5-10 years ago so I don’t know why the new one is not being recognised.

I’ll contact you directly about some other issues that I have.

Regards

Karen

Also re finding retracing images, if you are logged in the site will remember your previous searches, so you can run them again, just click ’search’ in the sidebar.

Its always been the aim to make the search as simple as possible for simple searches, but that there are more advanced options if wanted.

With regards to postcodes, there was an issue a few weeks ago, but I think its fixed, are they still giving issue?

Maybe a couple of examples of what you entered, and what you expected to see, would be incredibly helpful.

It might not be appropriate to discuss here, so you could either use the onsite forum, the contact form, or contact me directly geograph[at]barryhunter.co.uk

Thanks for the feedback!

The “old search”? I must confess that I am addicted to this site now, but am now finding it very frustrating when it comes to search. If only I could remember the route I took last tine I would be able to find that wonderful photo! I think they need to do a major cleanup/revamp of the site so that there is consistent search AND submission regardless of the path you follow through the site.

Karen