read-only access to databases

PHP programming forum. Ask questions or help people concerning PHP code. Don't understand a function? Need help implementing a class? Don't understand a class? Here is where to ask. Remember to do your homework!

Moderator: General Moderators

Post Reply
bwv2
Forum Commoner
Posts: 83
Joined: Fri Jun 10, 2005 11:50 am
Location: AZ

read-only access to databases

Post by bwv2 »

I know this must be a pretty common question, but is it possible to gain read only access to someone else's database and write it to my own? Seems like cheating the system, but it's worth a shot.

What I basically want to do is copy a GIS database for my own use. It's a public access site. Any way to do that?
User avatar
pickle
Briney Mod
Posts: 6445
Joined: Mon Jan 19, 2004 6:11 pm
Location: 53.01N x 112.48W
Contact:

Post by pickle »

Is the database itself publically accessible or is it just a web-based front end that is publically accessible?

If it's the database itself, there shouldn't be a problem. If it's a web-based front end, it will be more difficult. In this case, I'd just contact the company and see if you can get a database dump from them.
Real programmers don't comment their code. If it was hard to write, it should be hard to understand.
User avatar
shiznatix
DevNet Master
Posts: 2745
Joined: Tue Dec 28, 2004 5:57 pm
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Contact:

Post by shiznatix »

are you trying to steal their database!? cause that is certainly what it sounds like which would be considered "hacking" unless i just read your post wrong
bwv2
Forum Commoner
Posts: 83
Joined: Fri Jun 10, 2005 11:50 am
Location: AZ

all right

Post by bwv2 »

Hi,
Thanks for the info. In my defense, the database itself is not private property (it's simply GIS data related to coordinates around the USA made by the govt.) It's possible to call and get a hard copy of the database on CD from NREL, but that's a hassle and slow. Since this looks like it'd be difficult, it may be the best option. Thanks for the help anyway.

Brad
Post Reply