Google maps isn't actually a mapping app

[tielan]

This presents an essential problem when the company you work for is trying to use it as a mapping/delivery app.

"Is this a valid address?" Well, Google can't actually tell you that. It can tell you where this address might be if it existed. Or where this address should exist. Or where this address could exist. But if you ask Google "does this address exist?" it will give you an answer, it just may not be meaningful in human terms.

And yes, we use Maps as a, well, mapping app. But a judicious amount of interpretation is required in the results, and usually we have entry parameters as well: we're not entering outlandish addresses, we'll drill down to double-check, we'll make choices about whether we want suburb A or suburb B when we enter "10 Smith St" - and all those choices will be informed by a network of decision making that is so ingrained in us that we don't have to think about.

Guess what? The program has to think about it. Which means I have to code it. Which is a headache and a half.

Comments

[eggsbenedict]

I'm loving AddressFinder, in case that will help you.

[tielan]

The problem is that we're not "looking at deliverable address confirmation app" so much as "trying to use Google Maps as a deliverable address confirmation app". (Corporate stuff to do with licensing and map updates and so forth... *sigh*)

I have a headache, as is to be expected in this situation.

[eggsbenedict]

Oh dearie. I think we ran into issues with that kind of setup with our old address, the council website wouldn't accept it as valid so we always had to call for pickups! Good luck :s

[edenfalling]

Oh dear. Is there any way to persuade the company to use a different program?

[tielan]

It's a major construction company in Australia, so, no. There sadly isn't. I am stuck doing ridiculous workarounds...