How many calls I can make to OSM's Nominatim instance?

Question

I am developing mobile application which using google maps and I want to find users current address with device latitude and longitude (Reverse geocoding).

Google have some limits and it will charge me once I go beyond it. Now I am looking on OpenStreetMap, it is open to use in public. And I can use Reverse geocoding with it.

e.g. http://nominatim.openstreetmap.org/reverse?format=xml&lat=20&lon=71&zoom=18

My question is, 1). Is there any limit to make these calls per day? 2). Do I need to register somewhere ? 3). Is there any other alternatives available ?

Thnks in advance

Answer 1

Check the Nominatim Usage Policy

If you exceed the limits given there one of your options is to run your own instacne

There are also ready-to-run Docker images available on Docker Hub

Answer 2

Yes, they do have a limitation on the service. Check out the page here: Usage policy

And from Sep 15, 2015. You need to register before you could use the service, check out the page here: Registration page

Also, you could install a local nominatim here: Installation page Check out the github page: Github page

Anyway, if it doesn't work, you could try a bunch of different geocoders, like: Pelias from mapzen, Photon, OpenCage Geocoder. Good luck geocoding!