Re:No? There are commercial applications...
on
Open US GPS Data?
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· Score: 1
Yes, TIGER data has zip codes and is free, but the problem is that there are numerous errors-- either just a mistake and there is no way to report it, or because the USPS changed zip codes, and does not make data public. The TIGER pages even say don't bother reporting errors in ZIP codes. I found a not too expensive database of corrected zip codes for TIGER lines, but don't know how accurate that is either.
Re:No? There are commercial applications...
on
Open US GPS Data?
·
· Score: 1
All the map companies use TIGER data. I've verified this because I found errors in TIGER and could see the same on the online map sites I've checked.
The problem is our national street database uses a bureaucratic punch-card era method to collect information-- city to county, county to state, state to US Census. It takes a year to collect and process, then data is released once per year, so data can be more than 2 years old. There is no process for reporting or correcting errors. That's left to the "private sector"-- sort of. Also, the mission of the Census bureau does not include making a national map-- it's just a side benefit to be about to count people. It used to be that you had to buy the data (or go to a depository library), but they've seen the light and publish the data.
What we need are laws requiring public posting of map data, and require an error reporting and posting of corrections. Cities and counties can verify data themselves and publish changes. The USPS should be required to post zip code locations online, rather than copyright it and sell it for a high price. Instead of a year long chain of secret/private data exchange, the internet can make this cheap, accurate, and free.
Bar codes seem like techo-glitz rather than the most practical solution, plus creates equipment limitations on customers.
Why not just use the credit card used for purchase as the "ticket"? The confirmation code for the credit card transaction is the e-ticket ID. Alternatively, use a driver's license or other ID. Just swipe the card, and possibly check the physical card. Radio linked portable equipment with card reader, keypad, and receipt printer already exists.
One could buy an e-ticket by phone, SMS, https, etc-- it doesn't matter.
If all electronics fails, a non bar code also works with a faxed paper list and pen to cross off admissions. Someone too cheap to buy the scanners can use the fax method.
Yes, there is the possibilty of credit card fraud, but no other than normal usage. Adding a smartcard chip to the credit card would be the best technical solution to fraud by copying the card numbers.
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Yes, TIGER data has zip codes and is free, but the problem is that there are numerous errors-- either just a mistake and there is no way to report it, or because the USPS changed zip codes, and does not make data public. The TIGER pages even say don't bother reporting errors in ZIP codes. I found a not too expensive database of corrected zip codes for TIGER lines, but don't know how accurate that is either.
All the map companies use TIGER data. I've verified this because I found errors in TIGER and could see the same on the online map sites I've checked. The problem is our national street database uses a bureaucratic punch-card era method to collect information-- city to county, county to state, state to US Census. It takes a year to collect and process, then data is released once per year, so data can be more than 2 years old. There is no process for reporting or correcting errors. That's left to the "private sector"-- sort of. Also, the mission of the Census bureau does not include making a national map-- it's just a side benefit to be about to count people. It used to be that you had to buy the data (or go to a depository library), but they've seen the light and publish the data. What we need are laws requiring public posting of map data, and require an error reporting and posting of corrections. Cities and counties can verify data themselves and publish changes. The USPS should be required to post zip code locations online, rather than copyright it and sell it for a high price. Instead of a year long chain of secret/private data exchange, the internet can make this cheap, accurate, and free.
The Denver post article is wrong, and the URL to the report is wrong. The press release is at
http://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/pressrel/coffman_completes_elec_voting_equip_tests_12-17-07.html
and the Certification page is at
http://www.elections.colorado.gov/DDefault.aspx?tid=501
Bar codes seem like techo-glitz rather than the most practical solution,
plus creates equipment limitations on customers.
Why not just use the credit card used for purchase as the "ticket"? The
confirmation code for the credit card transaction is the e-ticket ID.
Alternatively, use a driver's license or other ID. Just swipe the card,
and possibly check the physical card. Radio linked portable equipment with
card reader, keypad, and receipt printer already exists.
One could buy an e-ticket by phone, SMS, https, etc-- it doesn't matter.
If all electronics fails, a non bar code also works with a faxed paper list and pen to cross off admissions. Someone too cheap to buy the scanners
can use the fax method.
Yes, there is the possibilty of credit card fraud, but no other than normal
usage. Adding a smartcard chip to the credit card would be the best technical
solution to fraud by copying the card numbers.