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Do 3rd party Apps screanscrape from the official IR timetables?

  • 27-01-2012 10:44PM
    #1
    Run_to_da_hills
    Closed Accounts Posts: 20,009 ✭✭✭✭


    I had a few 3rd party train time table apps on my IPhone. When IR changed to the new timetable layout recently these apps ceased working.

    I am wondering are they apps linked directly to official IR timetable. Dublin Bikes had a similar situation when they started.


Comments

  • #2
    Victor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 78,904 ✭✭✭✭Victor


    I get the impression that yes they did. I'm not sure what level it work at though. The configuration would be something like this.

    Signalling system ----> RealTime information server <----> Website server <----> Internet user


  • #3
    Run_to_da_hills
    Closed Accounts Posts: 20,009 ✭✭✭✭Run_to_da_hills


    Victor wrote: »
    I get the impression that yes they did. I'm not sure what level it work at though. The configuration would be something like this.

    Signalling system ----> RealTime information server <----> Website server <----> Internet user

    Cheers.

    I hope Iarnrod Eireann chases after them for royalties. :p


  • #4
    smackyB
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 764 ✭✭✭smackyB


    Next Train Ireland used to run off screen-scraping but now Irish Rail have a reasonably good API in place so it uses that. With regards to royalties, it's a win-win for Irish Rail as they don't have to pay anyone to develop and maintain an app. In fact, on the old Irish Rail site they used to promote my app! :)


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