Azure Maps: Microsoft's mapping and geospatial APIs on Azure. Nominatim: Open-source geocoding with OpenStreetMap data.
| Azure Maps | Nominatim | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Basemaps & Map Tiles | Geocoding, Routing & Location APIs |
| Pricing model | Paid | Open source |
| Starts at | See website | Free |
| Free tier | Monthly free transactions | — |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Software licence | — | GPL-3.0 (software), ODbL (data) |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | Web, API | API, Linux |
| Made by | Microsoft | — |
| Commercial use | Paid plan | With conditions |
| Export / print images | With conditions | Allowed |
| Offline / caching | Check terms | Allowed |
| Visits from MapTools | 7 | 2 |
| Visit | Visit |
Azure Maps features
- Web and mobile map controls
- Search and geocoding
- Routing and isochrones
- Traffic and weather
Nominatim features
- Forward and reverse geocoding
- OpenStreetMap data
- Self-hostable
- Structured and free-form search
The public nominatim.openstreetmap.org instance allows at most 1 request per second and no bulk geocoding. Self-host for heavy or commercial workloads.
Nominatim alternativesSummary based on public information. Check each provider's current pricing and terms.