Mapflow proposes simple and practical approach to Irish post codes

Mapflow's Harvey Appelbe reacts to Minister Dempsey's plans to introduce post codes in Ireland

Dublin, Ireland, May 26, 2005, Harvey Appelbe, Mapflow's CTO, today proposed a novel approach to implementing post codes in Ireland. Rather than spend public funds developing a complex patchwork quilt of post code boundaries for Ireland, Mapflow suggests that a coding system based on coordinates would be the simplest and best approach.

The post codes would combine the county initials, which are familiar from car registration plates, with the distance and compass bearing from the county's capital city. This approach works because Ireland is a relatively small geographic area and the population is concentrated in the major urban areas, so few digits are required to represent a small number of households.

"It is important that a new code convention is simple and easily understood so that it will be widely adopted," said Appelbe. "Ireland has an opportunity to implement a highly logical and cost effective code convention that is suited to modern digital life."

Mapflow's approach could be implemented overnight. Every record in every address database that contains map coordinate information could be easily appended with codes. Automated devices, such as the handheld units used by couriers or in-car units used by Taxi firms, could be upgraded to use the codes. A driver could get immediate routing instructions to a destination based on their current location.

"There is simply no justification for embarking on an epic project to create complex pseudo-historical boundaries," said Appelbe. "With this sort of approach there is no reason to delay the implementation of post codes."

About Mapflow
Mapflow creates software systems that process and clean address information for the leading financial, insurance, telecommunication, and utility companies in Ireland. These 'geocoding' systems enable companies to locate customers in geographically disparate and non-uniquely addressed locations so that they can manage their operations and communicate with their customers effectively. Our customers include O2, Vodafone, AIB Bank, the European Space Agency, and the AA. For more information visit www.mapflow.com or contact media@mapflow.com.

For further information please contact:-
Iseult White, Mapflow, + 353 (0) 1 634 1430, media@mapflow.com