[bad_user]

Because Mysql doesn't have support for distance searches.

[bravo_sierra]

Using the Buffer function it does. Then MySQL will utilize the geometry index, rather than scanning the table. Not clear in the docs, but it's there.

[bad_user]

Do you have an example?

[thibaut_barrere]

I'm interested as well (really, as someone who uses sphinx for that currently).

[bad_user]

Hey, I'm also using Sphinx :)

Also, thing is filtering is not much of a problem as you can use the Haversine formula ... it gets to be a problem if you also want sorting from closest to furthest.