[OSM-newbies] Reverse geocoding on Nominatim - acceptable volumes ?

[Craig Wallace]

On 25/10/2010 21:16, Iain Simpson wrote:
> I've just been looking at the Nominatim reverse-geocoding facility
> (http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Nominatim) which I think would do
> what I want.
>
> but
>
>> Currently the details page creates a high load on the server and is only
>   >intended as a debugging aide, as a result no xml api is currently
> provided.
>   >Scraping or heavy use is likely to result in an IP ban.
>
> Currently the details page creates a high load on the server and is only
> intended as a debugging aide, as a result no xml api is currently
> provided. Scraping or heavy use is likely to result in an IP ban.
>
> I am currently taking about 500 photos per week.
> What is an acceptable use and are there any alternatives ?

Firstly, for reverse geocoding, you probably won't be using the "Details 
page", so I don't think that section applies.
Though see the Nominatim usage policy, it says bulk geocoding is NOT 
encouraged: http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Nominatim_usage_policy

Mapquest provide their own Nominatim service - I don't think it has any 
specified limits, so I think it would be fine for your use. 
http://open.mapquestapi.com/nominatim/

Or you could install/setup an instance of Nominatim on your own 
server/PC, though that is rather complicated. And it will need a lot of 
memory / hard disk space if you are using a large chunk of the world.


Craig