MapTools
Nominatim
vs
openrouteservice

Nominatim: Open-source geocoding with OpenStreetMap data. openrouteservice: Free routing, isochrones and matrix API on OpenStreetMap.

Nominatimopenrouteservice
CategoryGeocoding, Routing & Location APIsGeocoding, Routing & Location APIs
Pricing modelOpen sourceFreemium
Starts atFreeSee website
Free tier—Free API key with daily limits
Open sourceYesYes
Software licenceGPL-3.0 (software), ODbL (data)GPL-3.0
APIYesYes
PlatformsAPI, LinuxAPI, Linux
Made by——
Commercial useWith conditionsWith conditions
Export / print imagesAllowedAllowed
Offline / cachingAllowedCheck terms
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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 alternatives

openrouteservice features

  • Routing for many travel modes
  • Isochrones
  • Distance matrix
  • QGIS plugin
  • Self-hostable
openrouteservice alternatives

Summary based on public information. Check each provider's current pricing and terms.