Nominatim: Open-source geocoding with OpenStreetMap data. OpenCage Geocoding API: Geocoding API on open data, with permissive storage terms.
| Nominatim | OpenCage Geocoding API | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Geocoding, Routing & Location APIs | Geocoding, Routing & Location APIs |
| Pricing model | Open source | Freemium |
| Starts at | Free | See website |
| Free tier | — | Free trial with daily request limit |
| Open source | Yes | No |
| Software licence | GPL-3.0 (software), ODbL (data) | — |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | API, Linux | API |
| Made by | — | OpenCage |
| Commercial use | With conditions | Paid plan |
| Export / print images | Allowed | Allowed |
| Offline / caching | Allowed | Check terms |
| Visits from MapTools | 2 | 2 |
| Visit | Visit |
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 alternativesOpenCage Geocoding API features
- Forward and reverse geocoding
- Worldwide coverage
- Storable results
- SDKs in many languages
Results can be stored. Attribution to OpenStreetMap is appreciated.
OpenCage Geocoding API alternativesSummary based on public information. Check each provider's current pricing and terms.