Search by Distance

The Search by Distance Plugin allows users to search for listings within a specific radius by ZIP codes or any location known to Google because this field uses Google’s location autocomplete library. The Plugin is based on Google API, which ensures accuracy of the map search results.

How it works

Aside from the regular search, users may now narrow down search results based on the distance from a particular location. Although our real estate and all-in-one script scripts already include a Search on the Maps, distance search remains popular for car classifieds, boat classifieds and other classified types in countries, where a distance search is still relevant because many users are accustomed to it.

Front End

The Plugin creates a "Search by Distance" page, to which a map and a search box are added. The user may select a country in a box (if your site targets worldwide audience) and enter a zip/postal code. The Plugin searches for ads within a given distance from the coordinates of a specific zip code, and displays search results in the grid. The box also features a refine search form helping users tailor the search based on different fields/criteria, a set of which you can manage from back end.

Aside from the "Search by Distance" page, the Plugin creates a box with a quick search by zip codes, which you can add to the home page to give users immediate access to the search by distance. When users search for items using the box they’ll be taken to the "Search by Distance" page described above.

The Plugin is also integrated into all of the forms, where the zip/postal code field is present. It replaces the default search by zip code field with a combination of zip code and distance fields. After that, a user is able to filter the search results based on a given distance from a particular zip code. Added to that, the Plugin is also integrated into the search for sellers/agents. That is, you may run a search and see all the sellers operating within a specific location.

The Plugin shows the distance of a found listing from the center point of the given zip code coordinates.

We’ve also added an option, which allows you to extend the capabilities for the zip code field and allows users to enter not only zip codes but any locations known to Google because this field uses Google’s location autocomplete library. The Plugin may also automatically detect listings in the vicinity of a user’s location.

Back End

Once the Plugin is installed you’ll be able to further set it up from back end. Among the various Plugin settings, you can:

• Set any distance range, for example increments from 5, 10, 30 both in miles and kilometers;
• Set a default map location;
• Set a default distance;
• Choose distance units in miles or kilometers or auto detection;
• Set the default search mode – by a distance radius, ZIP code or mixed mode;

The Distance Search Plugin greatly enhances users’ search experience and allows them to sift through a multitude of ads and land on a desired listing located conveniently close to a user’s location.