Government introduces Postcodes in Ireland..?

I get the feeling Garydubh works for/owns loc8...

emanresu wrote: »

That's not a secret, it was disclosed or obvious in many other posts. This thread has been around a long time and he is a regular contributor.

Gary Delaney of GPS Ireland & Loc8 Code - developer of PON Codes - now called Loc8 Codes. PON Codes - a beta test version was released in early 2008 after design since 2006. PON COdes underwent 2 years of testing on Garmin devices and were released as Loc8 Codes 1 Year ago.

DCENR has been talking about Postcodes since 2005 -first met An Post Opposition and now new Government has questioned the need/capability as proposed in 2006 when a traditional 1960's UK type postcode was proposed.

I personally invested with others and a delivered a workable system which covers all modern requirements (even mail sort if needed????) Loc8 is already being used by many industries and creating jobs in Crosshaven in Cork and largest SatNav manufacturer in the world has licensed its use for its devices.

Its strange that when people use Google maps they don't ask when the Government is going to provide the alternative - Loc8 is the Google Maps of Navigation/Finding Places/deliveries/logistics/emergency services - no need for the Government to waste scarce money on a DCENR proposed solution which An Post has said they do not want and which could not be used to find places - it was designed pre Google Maps, useable satnavs and smartphones!

Not getting at you Gary, I was genuinely surprised by your answers. I think the system is great, but as you pointed out it's not a postcode system. It's a gps system & what's needed is a postcode system. For post.

If I want a GPS system I'll use a garmin, or a tom tom or whatever, I've driven in the UK (including NI) & the USA using GPS -> tap in the post/zip code & I've been brought direct to the spot. It's a system that works & it doesn't really need another layer. All we need is post codes, not individual gps co-ordinates. We're a tiny island, it's possible to find where you want to be (if you're not in a medical emergency) using the old-fashioned method, & map/asking directions.

I'm sure the app is successful if that many people download it, however, it's only useful for those who want to build their own databases & therefore, for me to use it the way I want to, the place I want to go to has to be able to give me the Loc8 code. I'd love to try it out & be converted to it, but I'm not going to fork out €3.99 to find out I was right.

(incidentally, the link on your blog is incorrect)

thebman wrote: »

Yes the particular program I use is an Open Source program called Navit for Android which uses Open Street Maps for navigation so the developers will not be able to afford to license the loc8 codes for Ireland though.

Maybe this is similar to other countries but I would have thought a state created post code system such as the UK's would be licensed for use by anyone so would become freely available.

At the momen, Navit doesn't support any postcodes so it isn't an issue though.

It is not free to use Royal Mail Postcode delivery points or US Zip Codes - they all must raise income to support their maintenance.

It is a pity there is so much misinformation about relating to this subject.

iMax wrote: »

Not getting at you Gary, I was genuinely surprised by your answers. I think the system is great, but as you pointed out it's not a postcode system. It's a gps system & what's needed is a postcode system. For post.

If I want a GPS system I'll use a garmin, or a tom tom or whatever, I've driven in the UK (including NI) & the USA using GPS -> tap in the post/zip code & I've been brought direct to the spot. It's a system that works & it doesn't really need another layer. All we need is post codes, not individual gps co-ordinates. We're a tiny island, it's possible to find where you want to be (if you're not in a medical emergency) using the old-fashioned method, & map/asking directions.

I'm sure the app is successful if that many people download it, however, it's only useful for those who want to build their own databases & therefore, for me to use it the way I want to, the place I want to go to has to be able to give me the Loc8 code. I'd love to try it out & be converted to it, but I'm not going to fork out €3.99 to find out I was right.

(incidentally, the link on your blog is incorrect)

I agree that people who jump into a thread should at least make some effort to:
1. read some of the previous exchanges on the subject
2. spend a little time researching the background to the subject before commenting.

A postcode is no longer required to sort post - a postcode is not required in Ireland for this purpose according to An Post themselves: "PostCodes are the application of 1960’s technology to a 21st Century Problem"

The point8 App you refer to has nothing to do with "creating a database" - it is related to:

1. entering a Loc8 Code and finding it on Google maps or navigating to it with Google or with pre installed Navigon and TomTom apps which many already use.
2. Generating a Loc8 Code for your current location to pass on in the event of a breakdown or emergency
3. Generating a Loc8 Code for current gps position or map location to use to organise a RV using text or email.
4. Generating a Loc8 Code to send a related maplink to Twitter or Facebook.
5. Reading and Navigating to a Loc8 Code embedded in a QR Code.

If none of these requirements are for you then that's perfectly fine. However, there are many who do use them and who have paid a once off €3.99 because the use of Loc8 Codes saves them that much and more weekly in time and related fuel costs in finding places.

In Northern Ireland and the UK entering a postcode alone does not bring you to the spot - you need a property number also and and in many rural areas even the combination of both does not work either. There are Loc8 Code users in Northern Ireland too because a UK postcode requires every road to have a name and every property to have a number and this is not the case in many places in the provence...... this is well recognised by those in the logistics/service provider industries and by many who use Garmins/TomToms/others on a regular basis.

Looks like GPS enabled devices and related precise addressing are not for you - that's fine - but this does not take from the fact that many are delighted to have them and they are a modern commercial tool that even visitors to our country find extremely useful! Hey even the GAA has started to use them.

thebman wrote: »

Yes the particular program I use is an Open Source program called Navit for Android which uses Open Street Maps for navigation so the developers will not be able to afford to license the loc8 codes for Ireland though.

Maybe this is similar to other countries but I would have thought a state created post code system such as the UK's would be licensed for use by anyone so would become freely available.

At the momen, Navit doesn't support any postcodes so it isn't an issue though.

support for Loc8 Codes on Navit can be added to the point8 App also - they just need to advise their Lat/Long entry/exchange format. They will not have to pay for or do anything themselves. (same as has already been done for Google/Navigon and TomTom) If you have contact with them - ask them to contact Loc8 Code directly.

antoinolachtnai wrote: »

The paid-for database is much more than a database of DP latitudes and longitudes and that is the reason for the cost associated with it.

Indeed - same as the Loc8 Code database.....

For clarification Gary, I see one of your app store reviewers has mentioned an ongoing cost when using the app. Is this true ?

Is there any charge for using the app in any way after purchasing it ?

iMax wrote: »

For clarification Gary, I see one of your app store reviewers has mentioned an ongoing cost when using the app. Is this true ?

Is there any charge for using the app in any way after purchasing it ?

The app costs €3.99 incl. VAT to download.
After download there is unlimited generation/lookup of Loc8 Codes for 48hrs to allow generation of Loc8 Codes for family/friends etc.
Thereafter there is an allocation of 20 Loc8 Code generations/lookups per week.
Those using more than 20 Loc8 Code generations/lookups per week (commercial users) optionally pay for an in-app download for addional uses.

Therefore there are no ongoing costs directly related to the normal use of point8.
All this is clearly documented on the Loc8 Code site here and at the point of download on iTunes.

As always clarifications are always quickly available by contacting Loc8 directly at info@loc8code.com