Having got control of
the data as described in the XML feed section it is possible
to do what is called Geocoding to the property data.
That means converting the address to grid references.
This in turn allows us to pinpoint multiple properties
on a Google map and create icons to mark each of their
locations.
The problem with creating lists of
properties on a web site is that unless your surfer
knows the location extremely well most addresses mean
nothing to them. In fact the list of properties usually
means most to the estate agent or their competitors.
By showing a map with the locations
of the properties which should be of interest to the
surfer based on price and accommodation you are able
to help them much more rapidly determine which ones
they mey be more interested in based on location. They
can choose properties to view in the knowledge that
they are in the school catchment area they are interested
in or close enough to the motorway junction for their
commuting requirements.
Many of our sites feature this function
which has proven to be very popular especially with
the ability to have satellite and hybrid views of a
property's location with fine zoom controls. |
