Overpass API

What is the Overpass API?

For querying OpenStreetMap raw data, the OpenStreetMap project has been providing the Overpass API service for a couple of years. It makes it possible to query OpenStreetMap data for objects with specific tags, in a specific area or at a specific point in time.

The public Overpass API service is provided for experienced OpenStreetMap contributors. They look for erroneously or incompletely tagged objects or create special interest maps, e.g. a map of hotels. It allows them to do that without running their own PostgreSQL database and lowers the hurdles for users with limited technical knowledge to query OpenStreetMap data. The flexibility and absence of usage fees leads to a great popularity among the OpenStreetMap community – therefore the public servers are under heavy load.

Some of our customers who set up their own applications based on Overpass API have been unsatisfied with the performance of the overloaded, public Overpass API. Therefore, Geofabrik offers usage of its own Overpass API service for charge.

Whom is Overpass API suitable for?

Overpass API allows unfiltered access to the OpenStreetMap raw data. It is suitable if you are used to the OpenStreetMap tagging system and its idiosyncrasies. Overpass API uses its own query language. Thematic and spatial extracts of small size using filter rules, which are not determined in advance, are its strength.

Geofabrik Overpass API services aims to

Alternatives

There are better alternatives for Overpass API, especially in the following two cases:

There are other methods to access OpenStreetMap data instead of using Overpass-API:

Prices

Plan maximum requests per month Price without VAT
Small 10.000 EUR 40
Medium 100.000 EUR 80
Large 1.000.000 EUR 160
XXL unlimited starting at EUR 450

Payment is due for one year in advance when the contract is concluded.

The conditions given in the table are based on the assumption that the queries do not excessively use server resources. We reserve the right to rengotiate the contract if the queries are too complex.

XXL: If the monthly limits of our offering are not sufficient, you can order your own Overpass API server. Ask us for further details.