How do I extract location from Windows using C#?

Question

Google Maps seems to be able to do this quite well, presumably leveraging my ISP. How is this done? Is it possible to tap Google Maps or some other database to derive where the user is? (Within maybe 1 km?)

Adriano Carneiro · Accepted Answer · 2011-06-06T15:45:22.870

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This is done through using a GEOIP database.

A company named Maxmind is in this business. There are paid databases and free databases (the latter less accurate, of course).

However, I believe free databases could not be used for your "1km accuracy".

edited Jun 06 '11 at 15:45

answered Jun 06 '11 at 15:36

Adriano Carneiro

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and @tofutim The GEOIP database (at least the free version) doesn't have the resolution you are looking for. It will snap, I believe, to the nearest provider address for your ISP. In my case that's over 60km away. The only way to get true GPS data is to use a sensor via a device. – SRM Jun 06 '11 at 15:39
The paid GEOIP database seems quite accurate. – tofutim Jun 06 '11 at 23:39
That's great news, hope it helps you. – Adriano Carneiro Jun 07 '11 at 13:53

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Jun 06 '11 at 15:37

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There are several webservices that offer IP to Geolocation resolution, even some which are free. This article: 3 Free Ways to Geolocate By IP should get you started.

answered Jun 06 '11 at 15:37

Cos Callis

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score 1 · Answer 3 · edited May 23 '17 at 12:12

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You'll need to first get the User's IP address and then use some API to perform a lookup. Check out:

C# - Get User Location by IP Address

edited May 23 '17 at 12:12

Community

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answered Jun 06 '11 at 15:37

Justin Niessner

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How do I extract location from Windows using C#?

3 Answers3