Google Distance Matrix

[Layton Miller]

So, we're developing a platform that is supposed to figure out how far
one zip code is from the nearest surrounding group of registered
client addresses. Basically, a user comes to the site, enters their
zip code, and then our app needs to figure out which of our registered
clients is closest to the user- and they are connected.
The Google Distance Matrix seemed like a good idea for this, but since
we don't use actual google maps (it's all for back-end purposes) the
implementation is prohibited (and I quote):

"Use of the Distance Matrix service must relate to the display of
information on a Google Map; for example, to determine origin-
destination pairs that fall within a specific driving time from one
another, before requesting and displaying those destinations on a map.
Use of the service in an application that doesn't display a Google map
is prohibited."

Straight out of the distance matrix api docs.
So. I really think the API is sweet and I want to use it, but don't
want to abuse the terms of use. Is there any way to use this info, or
some other service that anyone knows about that can help me achieve
this?
Otherwise I'm going to have to do it all myself (which is fine), but i
don't want to do that because, well, it's not going to be as robust of
a solution. Not enough time for that.
Thanks!
--Layton

[Chris Broadfoot]

Unfortunately not. The terms of service are quite explicit about this, as you found.

Of course, my suggestion is to use a Google map to display the results of any services you're using :)

--

G+: http://chrisbroadfoot.id.au/+

Twitter: http://twitter.com/broady

--Layton

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[MymsMan]

If you are only using Zip code rather than a full address for location purposes would it be adequate for your purposes to use a Zip code database and calculate straight line distances rather than driving distances?