ZIP Code Mapping Boundaries for FRANCHISES

I am looking to sell franchises of my business and would like to do it in way of zip codes.

So when clients come to my site they can put in their zip code and it will send them to the person who is in their area.

What is the best way to do this?

Any help would be great.

ron

If you're putting it on the web, then you'll need the Web Service version of MapPoint - rather than the more economical desktop version.

It could take a zip code, and find directions for you.

But if you just want "the closest" as the crow flies, then a database with centroids (central coordinates for each zipcode) might be acceptable?
Your server would then have a little script finding the closest.
Checking every single zipcode would be far too slow, but the search could be split up. In fact, you could do the searching ahead of time, and just store the "nearest person" information for each zipcode. . Look up the zipcode, and voila!

When you add/move/delete people, you could regenerate the database automatically.


Richard

You're right that adding ZIP Codes in maps adds a lot of value and utility for users - most people know their zip code - but you also need to be a little careful of changing zip codes. Since zip codes are not defined by the post office as polygons, zip code maps are approximations. Plus, you need to make sure your data is updated regularly.

There are several places to learn more about zip code maps (http://www.maponics.com/ZIPCode_Maps/zipcode_maps.html) or custom maps (http://www.maponics.com/Custom_Maps/custom_maps.html) in general. Also check out some general zip code info (http://www.carrierroutes.com/ZIPCodes.html).