mo Posted September 21, 2010 Share Posted September 21, 2010 I need some input on my design. I am creating a site similar to foursquare and I am working on my geo-location classes and logic. Option 1: I was going to use the ipinfodb website's API to gather location data for a visitor's IP address and save the returned data in a database table. This way I could always check the table first (to avoid the API overhead) than use the API if no result was found. I figure eventually my database table will be almost 100% and the API will barely be used. Option 2: My other option is the same only I start with a huge table of IP address and location data that I downloaded for free from various data gathering sites and use the API as needed to update the table with missing entries. I guess both options are the same and will work the same. My main issue is that when a visitor performs a search for locations, I do not just want o show locations in their city (which I obtain from their IP). I want to show searches from nearby cities, this is where the idea to initially start off with a huge database table came from. Since I would need to have a table which contained all US cities and their nearby cities within a specific radius. This is the design that I am having trouble with. I could use the API at ws.geonames.org to get the nearby cities and build a database table as I go just like option 1. I guess I'm just looking on some feedback on if this is the way that this is normally done or should I go another route. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ignace Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 IP-based geo-location is only a best estimate and for some (read dynamic ip-address) will be completely inaccurate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mo Posted September 22, 2010 Author Share Posted September 22, 2010 So what is the best method for determining a visitors location in your opinion? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ignace Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 So what is the best method for determining a visitors location in your opinion? None. Unless they are browsing with a geo-enabled device like an iPhone and allow you access to their location. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mo Posted September 22, 2010 Author Share Posted September 22, 2010 Ok. Well this is a minor issue and the visitor will be able to manually change their location. In regard to my initial question and I guess based on your feed back. It would be a good idea to start with a master database of IP addresses by location and maintain the database when the site encounters a new IP. I think I answered my own question. I will review the various free IP geolocation databases out there and build my master tables. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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