[stonyarc]

Originally Posted by Greebo

In our case, zip code would be ideal - our users don't want to have their exact locations given away - we just want an overall survey of *generally* where people are, and zip code provides just the level of granularity we want.

We already track zip code as an extra user field, and I, for one, would be much more inclined to install this hack if it could take a list of member zip codes from our site and build the map from that, instead of lat/long.

Ironically, our members *do* know their lats and longs - they are pilots - but they arent technologically inclined and I'd rather not have them enter any more than they already have if I can avoid it (we ask them for zip code at registration).

Even some geocoding could solve that. I'm working on several approaches because I want this to be a global as possible.

I can go as far as going on address but this is in direct violation of privacy law (certainly in Europe).

Another split I'm working on is the event and hotspots map.

A zip code map is one of the additional maps I'm working on. But it's crazy to store all zipcodes in the world in a database unless you are able to offer it as a webservice. Moreover the zip code approach will put markers of the same area on exactly the same spot. This breaks the link with the user / text. and makes it less unique. If you zoom in, you won't be able to see through the stack of markers.

I know you all want this to be as flexible as frapper. But I'm alone in doing this and I don't want this to be a rush job. I do have a regular job too.