Generate google map based on UK postcode

Question

Is it possible to do a google map lookup using the google maps API from a UK postcode? I know you can search by UK postcode on their website, but this converts to lat / long. I don't have access to the PAF database to be able to convert to long / lat.

An example:

Users have an item to sell. One of the details of that item is a postcode, where the user / item is located. When the items are displayed on the front end of the website, there needs to be a google map of the items location generated using the postcode.

If this is possible, how do I do it?

Answer 1

What about using:

<img src="http://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?center=POSTCODEHERE&zoom=14&size=200x200&maptype=roadmap&markers=color:ORANGE|label:A|POSTCODEHERE&sensor=false" style="float: right">

Then replace POSTCODEHERE in the two sections above with their postcode.

You can change the size from 200x200 or the marker colour, label etc. too if you wish.

Answer 2

You can do it purely though Google maps.

I did it for a client earlier this year and have just had to do a few modifications. I also did some direction-grabbing. It's all pretty simple but best viewed in context.

Take a look at the source of the page I made.

Answer 3

Google does not provide a geocoding api in the UK because of the licensing model the Royal Mail releases postcode data under.

The are however some tools that people have written that enable geocoding using google, but that would be technically illegal afaik.

One option then is to use one of the several uk geocoding providers. I don't want to sound lazy but they are easily googled. They typically charge a few pence per geocode.