This forms part of a set of usage policies governing core OpenStreetMap services. Note that ‘API’ relates to the data editing API. For developers accessing maps (often using javascript “APIs”) the OpenStreetMap Tile Usage Policy is more relevant
The editing API is provided in order to edit the map data, not for read-only purposes or projects. Clients may be blocked without notice if they are affecting the service level for others or causing data corruption.
Large or frequent data users must use the download service “planet.osm” other alternatives described below.
To avoid having your access blocked, please discuss your requirement with system administrators either via their wiki pages or on the IRC channel prior to starting.
The OSMF Operations Working Group (OWG) are the team in charge of API Usage policies for OSMF-run services.
Use of any OSMF provided service is further governed by the OSMF Terms of Use.
We request that you
All of the tools and software needed to create a complete mirror of OpenStreetMap and/or its API are available as open source software and can be found in OpenStreetMap’s source repositories at github.com/openstreetmap/. Additional useful tools and API’s can be found there too.
Use of all services is subject to the OpenStreetMap Foundation privacy policy. Please do not submit personal data or other confidential material to any of our services.
This policy may change at any time subject to the needs and constraints of the project. Commercial services, or those that seek donations, should be especially aware that access may be withdrawn at any point: you may no longer be able to serve your paying customers if access is withdrawn.