Storing and Querying GPS Coordinates Effectively

Question

I want to create a large database of GPS coordinates that can be queried by saying \"Return all coordinates that are within \'n\' metres of [this coordinate]\".

I need i

Answer 1

If you can have your choice of DB, I would recommend the same as rwwilden and use SQL 2008 with its spatial data capabilities. If you cannot use that solution or one which includes spatial querying, you can take a look at Microsoft's own paper on Hierarchical Triangular Mesh and implement those things. The SDK for MSSQL '05 came with a whole solution for HTM out-of-the-box as well, so you could just take that and convert it to whatever platform you are looking at using.

EDIT:

Here is a more detail document explaining HTM and implementation. You can of course convert to your DB of choice. You can find the source code to a full HTM implementation in the SDK for 2005.