Import Zip Codes

If you have an existing database of Zip Codes you wish to import into Ultimate Locator, it can be done via the Import Zip Codes tool.

On the navigation menu, click the link that says "Import Zip Codes" to bring up the import file selection screen.

Format for Import Files:

To import a file of zip codes to your locator system, you must have a standard text file that has TAB separated values.  The file must also contain all the required fields necessary for importing to your MySQL database.  The import file should contain thousands of zip code records, but they must be one per line.

The easiest way to create your import file is to export your database from Microsoft Access or Microsoft Excel, to a Tab delimited file.  But before you export, you need to create the necessary fields inside your Access or Excel file.

Each record must contain the following fields

* The latitude and longitude fields must contain valid characters (digits and dashes).  Such as "1234567.12345" or "-123456.12345".  Each of these fields can have up to seven (7) characters before the decimal and up to five (5) characters after the decimal.

We recommend that you only import professional zip code datafiles that you have obtained from us or a legitimate company that sells zip code data.

An example of a file ready for import would be:

A TAB separated file named zipimport.txt (any name ok, but must have .txt extension) with one (1) record per line:

How to Import Zip/Postal Codes into the Locator:

Select your Import File:

Once you bring up the "Import Zip Codes" screen, you will be given a chance to select your import file and also select which "Action" you wish to perform during the uploading and importing.

You will have two choices on which file you wish to import.  You can select a file that is already on your server or you can import a new file from your computer.

Option 1: File on Server

This list will show you files that are located on your server in the /locator/dbackup/zipdata folder.  Select the one that you wish to use.  If you have a large import file (over 2MB) then you should FTP your file to your server, in the /locator/dbackup/zipdata folder, then select if from this list.

Option 2: Upload new File

Click on the "Browse" button to bring up the "Choose File" window.

Navigate to the directory on your computer where you have stored your import file.  Once you have located the file, select the file and then click the Ok or Open button.

Select Action:

Append:

Select the Append option, if you wish to ADD the zip codes in your import file to your current database..  This action will not delete any zip codes in your existing database, and will simply append (add) your imported zip codes to your existing database.

Overwrite:

Select the Overwrite option, if you you wish to completely erase your existing database and start from scratch with the zip codes in your import file.

When you are satisfied with your choices, you may click the "Import" button to begin uploading and importing your file.

Important Notes:

Your locator system comes pre-installed with over 42K zip code records for USA zip codes.  You will not need to import new zip codes unless you wish to update your zip code data to a new fresher version.

If you receive an error, such as a time out, when you are importing large databases (ie: Canada Codes), then you may need to FTP your file over to your server in the /locator/dbackup/zipdata directory.  Of course, you will need to select the "Append" option while importing each file.

Canadian Postal Codes:

Canadian Postal Codes work the same way as USA zip codes.  Your import file must have only 3 fields.  Which are "Postal Code", "Latitude" and "Longitude".  While the USA zip codes database is only 42,000 records, Canadian Postal Code databases have over 770,000 records.  With such a large database, it nearly impossible for most servers to handle such a large file at one time.  This is why this file must FTPed onto the server or be broken up into smaller more manageable files feasible for uploading.

If you purchase your Canadian Postal Codes database from us, you will receive an "Import Ready" file with only the required fields. You will also need to choose the "Append" option during import if you are adding Canadian codes to your existing USA codes.

Our Canadian Postal Codes have this format:  A1A 2B2  (yes there is a space between the A the the 2).  Therefore, your location records for Canadian locations must also have the space in the forth character of the postal code.  The location's postal code must match the postal codes database exactly for a match.