Never get lost again! (streetmap.co.uk)

Member Name: GroundZero

Product:	streetmap.co.uk
Date:	05/03/01 (44 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to use, very handy, simple layout

Disadvantages: Telephone code doesn't appear to work

Streetmap.co.uk is one of those ideas that the web is perfectly suited to. Need to find a UK place, or need a map to get somewhere? Using the streetmap search engine you can easily look up anywhere in mainland Britain.

The main page is nothing special to look at, with a very simple layout. At least it's not cluttered, and it is easy to see where everything is.

The search options are as follows:

• London street - not too much use unless you live in the capital, or are a tourist I suppose.

• Post code - this is the option I use most of all. Enter a postcode and you will be shown a map of the surrounding area, with a big arrow pointing towards the postcode you supplied. This is useful for finding houses, obviously, but can also come in handy when you need to find where a business is located.

• UK Place - as you would guess, just enter the name of a place you want to see, and streetmap does the rest.

• OS Grid - probably not of much use to most people, but another worthwhile option.

• Landranger grid - as above, of limited value.

• Lat/long - again, probably not the most commonly used option.

• Tel code - not too sure about this one, it doesn't seem to give the results you would expect. Entering a standard dialling code doesn't seem to find the correct area. Oh well....

• Street name - selecting this option displays a list of all the matching streetnames in the database. Be warned, if you are searching for a relatively common street name, the search can take a short while, and may return a large amount of results.... Selecting any of the resulting matches takes you to the relevant map.


When you view a map, it is loaded in as an image map, allowing you to select a particular area to view in greater detail. Maps are split up into 3 by 3 grids, with the option to scroll in either dimension if you wish.
The resolution of the map is displayed, and you are given the option to zoom in or out.

The URL for the map you are currently viewing is listed in a box below the map. The OS co-ordinates are given, and if you select the conversion option, it gives you the nearest postcode. You are also given the option to buy the OS map of the area (as a GIF file for your website, handy for businesses) if you like. Some areas also have matching aerial photos for purchase. If you select the camera icon, the aerial photo is displayed alongside the original street map.

Streetmap.co.uk is one of those sites that can come in really handy, and is well worth bookmarking. The coverage seems to be pretty comprehensive, and its ease of use is exemplary.

Summary: