Re: New openGIS functionality in MySQL available for testing

[Lenz Grimmer]

Hi Daniel,

sorry for the late reply.

Daniel Zburivsky Wrote:
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> I'm testing new GIS functionality and would like
> to know how the DISTANCE function is currently
> implemented. Particularly, does it calculate
> distance on the Earth's surface?

It does not - DISTANCE() only works on flat surfaces. (As pointed out by John already). However, there now is a new UDF that implements what you are looking for - please take a look at my Blog posting for more info:

http://www.lenzg.org/archives/220-New-UDF-for-MySQL-5.1-provides-GIS-functions-distance_sphere-and-distance_spheroid.html

Thanks!

Bye,
LenZ

Lenz Grimmer - MySQL Community Relations Manager - http://de.sun.com/
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