I need a little guidance on how to incorporate a "search by zip code" feature into a site. (The questions have to do with the underlying architecture (SQL Server 2000) rather than the web interface, so I decided to post here rather than in a programm)

Each service provider can provide zip codes to which they are making themselves available.

Is it better to store all zip codes in a single field, separated by commas, and do the search that way? I raelize that the results are dependent on service providers being accurate with their data (including all zip codes in cities that have multiple zips) and properly validating entry (not allowing ranges of zips, e.g. 26241-26245).

Or would it be better (from point of view of service provider, visitor to site, and programmer) to be able to somehow search for zip codes in the proximity of the one entered (example: top 5 listings closest to zip code 26283). I'm not sure what would go into the storage & programming of the latter, though it appears on several sites.

Thanks in advance,
Bryant

One option is having a table to store all zip code as well as longtitude and latitude values in the databse, then depending on these values, you can calculate the distance between two locations and find the nearby locations.

Where can something of that nature be found, and at what cost ... suggestions?

Thanks,
Bryant

This looks promising:

http://www.zip-codes.com/zip_database.asp

That's a very good one, thanks!

Looking at it led me to http://www.aspdriven.net/asplocator.asp ... little less $$ and includes scripting for ASP.

Thanks,
Bryant

Here are some other resources:

Zip code database: http://www.cfdynamics.com/cfdynamics/zipbase/index.cfm

Scripts: http://www.hotscripts.com/search/4057269.html

Depending on your $ situation and needs, you may want to check out MapQuest or MapPoint web services.

I'm starting on a project where our current thinking is to start off by using something like one of the DB's from the other links posted here, and then when the money is sufficient move to MapPoint webservices.

You can get any amount of ZIP code information you want free from the census bureau. Check out this link: http://www2.census.gov/geo/tiger/tiger2k/

If you can't find the info you want there, you can also get info from the USPS, but they charge $50 for their data... but I'd REALLY be shocked if you can't get what you need from the US Census site.