Hey everyone, Dave Parrish here. I've got a quick tip for you today that could really streamline how you search addresses. This is one of those features that I’ve noticed some clients didn’t even realize was available, so I thought I’d share it with you all.
Understanding the Geolocation Feature
One of the Knack apps I frequently use allows users to search for individuals who want to join nonprofit boards. One key feature of this app is the ability to search based on geographic location. When setting up profiles, it asks users how far they’re willing to travel to participate in a nonprofit’s activities. This is where the geolocation feature becomes incredibly useful.
How to Use the "Near a Zip Code" Function
Here’s how it works: If you want to search within a certain radius of a zip code, you simply input the zip code and choose your radius in miles. For example, let’s say we’re working with a zip code from Los Angeles. If we set the radius to one mile, we get a specific number of results. Increase it to five miles, and we see more results. Expand it to 25 miles, and the number grows even larger.
This tool is particularly useful when you need to find potential board members who are geographically close to the nonprofit’s location. It’s a straightforward feature but can be incredibly effective for narrowing down your search.
Customizing Your Search Radius
The default increments are five miles, but sometimes you might need more granularity. For instance, in a densely populated city like Chicago, a one-mile radius might be too broad. In those cases, Knack allows you to use custom code to adjust these increments to fit your needs.
Working with International Addresses
What if your search involves international addresses? The process is similar, but the system uses postal codes instead. For international searches, you’d input a postal code and select your radius. It functions in much the same way as the domestic search but with international specifics.
How It All Works Behind the Scenes
Here’s a little tech insight: when you export your search data, it includes latitude and longitude coordinates. This allows the system to precisely calculate distances and draw accurate radius circles around your specified location. By understanding this, you can appreciate how the geolocation feature delivers accurate results and why it’s such a valuable tool.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it—a quick overview of how to leverage the geolocation feature for nonprofit searches. It’s a powerful tool that can save you time and make your searches more effective. If you find this feature useful, I encourage you to explore it further. It might just be the game-changer you didn’t know you needed!
Thanks for tuning in, and stay tuned for more tips and tricks!
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