Postcode Problems

[claddagh]

Hi Guys,

I have searched the forum, and not really found the answer I`m looking for.
I used in my Database, a postcode field, which for 90% of the postcodes I input is is fine.

However, som of the postcodes dont conform to standard post codes.

I`ve found some info in this link, http://www.access-programmers.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=89393&highlight=links

but this didnt really help.

Most postcodes ( as set in the database properties ) confirm to thiis standard

SK01 1AA

Which if intered in this format works all OK.

However, some postcodes go in as fiollows

M01 1AA

Which leaves me a digit short, and messes up my search sections of the database, and the link to external map programs like M$ Mappoint.

Is there anyway that anyone knows of that will sort this out, and allow both entries withouht screwing up other programs.

This field is also a REQUIRED field, and must be a data field, or my external program links like M$ Map Point wont work.


THanks in advance guys.

Max

 

[Mile-O]

Use two postcode field. One field for the left side (4 characters wide) and one field for the right side (three characters wide).

 

[claddagh]

Not sure ??

SJ,

I have already tried this option, but then It gives me problems in other areas.

The database (2k3) has a built in funtion when map point is installed, that crates a button you can click on to open up a map system that shows you where to go etc etc.

If i do it as described, as its not an actual "postcode" field in access, this function does not work....

Thanks for the responce, do you have any other ideas as to how to solve this..
I was thinking on somthing to do with the "INPUT MASK" but this is not working either.

TIA.


Max

 

[Mile-O]

Can't you link MapPoint to a query (rather than a table) where you concatenate the two fields in order to get a full post code?

 

[neileg]

Sorry, I don't have A2003. Are you saying that there's a postcode datatype and that you have to use this for Map Point to work? And that this datatype won't cope with perfectly valid UK postcodes? If that is so, M$ have made a mess of this, not you.

 

[claddagh]

Map Point

SJ,
I have tried the query method for postcode, and mappoint doesnt accept it.

Neileg,
Yeah, in A2k3 there is a uild in postcode function, that lets you open up a M$ Map Point program.
So by the sounds of what you said, its M$ who have screwed up.
The obviously didn`t take into account that not all postcodes have the following format
AB00 0AA, some have A00 0AA, or A0 0AA
But the postcode field only excepts in the following format AB00 0AA

Crap eh.......

Any ideas ?

Max

 

[neileg]

Can you pad the postcode with spaces so that it has the right number of characters for MapPoint? You can then use TRIM() to remove excess spaces whenever you need the 'proper' format.

Sorry, this is just a guess!

 

[Mile-O]

Also, have a look at the Knowledge Basic to find out if there's a known problem with this.

 

[Mile-O]

Also, have a look at the Knowledge Basic to find out if there's a known problem with this.

 

[Mile-O]

Also, have a look at the MS Knowledge Base to find out if there's a known problem with this.

 

[claddagh]

Fixed

MS didnt say squat about this.

Anyway, I have found a lway round this.

I have made the Input mask as follows; not ideal but does work.

>&&&&&&&;;_

This way they can put in the require postcode if it is under 7 chars long.
e.g. M1 1NH
I have just put a note beside the field in the form stating that if under 7 characters long, press space at the end of inputing to make 7 chars long.
(obviosly made shorter for form )

Now Map Point works again
Like I said, not idea, but works till I Find a propper solution to this problem.


Stupid M$


Max

 

[neileg]

You could use some code to pad the post code out with spaces instead of making the user do it.

Good luck

 

[claddagh]

Solution ??

For anyone else with this problem,

I have found a post on another forum ( I know, sorry guys ) that seems as though it will fix this problem ( Link provided )

Not mine, so this guy must get all credit......
http://www.utteraccess.com/forums/s...473101&page=12&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1

I`ll report back when I have had chance to test it

Max