As a simple potential user, I tried to install PostGIS, downloaded all libraries required: proj-4.8.0, gdal-1.10.0,json-c,postgis-2.0.3,geos-3.3.8,libwml2-2.9.0, and tried to build the first library with the simple procedure:
problem out of the scope of this list, and probably not /difficult. Since I look for a simple geographic indexing using imprecise lat,long coordinates that do not deal with precise modeling; that I am afraid of long install procedure, and heavy computations, I also give up.
Spacial mysql indexing seems to be included in pre-built packages.
You might install Postgis to implement very powerful spatial functionality that can easily do what you are asking (plus a whole lot more).
indeed, PostGIS is the logical answer, but the OP specifically stated he wanted the functionality without 'sophisticated geographic systems'. so I ignored the question.
the alternative would be implementing your own spherical geometry functions, and hook them up to GiST indexing, its not that hard, but by the time you got all the functionality you need, you'd be half way to PostGIS, so why fight it?
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john r pierce 37N 122W
somewhere on the middle of the left coast
