Introduction

A new version of this API, based on TomTom Orbis Maps, is available here.
For new integration, we recommend using TomTom Orbis APIs.
To review changes or to migrate, please find the migration guide here.

What is TomTom’s Geocoding API?

The Geocoding API is a powerful tool that converts addresses, such as “109 Park Row, New York, United States,” into geographic coordinates (e.g., “lat”: 40.71226, “lon”: -74.00207). Designed for machine-to-machine interaction, the TomTom Geocoding API is capable of handling requests from automated systems to geocode addresses that may be incomplete, incorrectly formatted, or contain typos, providing the best possible result.

It infers geographic information given a textual place description (postal address) and additional (optional) parameters that guide the search. Examples of optional parameters include a list of countries to search for and a location to search around. The main elements in the geographic information include:

  • address components
  • corresponding geographic coordinates
  • a complete formatted address

The Geocoding API provides a simple way to make a request and obtain the desired geographic information in JSON or XML formats, depending on the user’s preference. Please note that this API does not return Points of Interest (POIs). It consists of the following endpoints:

Geocode

Use the geocode endpoint when you just have an address or a partial address.

Geocode

Structured Geocode

Use the structured geocoding endpoint when you have data that has already been split into multiple fields such as streetNumber, streetName, city/town, and postal code.

Structured Geocode

Premium Geocoding API

Get highly accurate coordinates with expanded address features for last-mile delivery, such as parking points, building entrances, and floor numbering. Currently available in the USA.

Premium Geocoding API

Common use cases

  • Get the coordinates to locate the place:
    • To deliver or pickup a delivery.
    • To pick up and drop off passengers.
    • Do route planning.
  • Address validation/verification.
  • Geospatial analysis.
  • Data cleaning.
  • Data enhancement.
  • Get boundaries, geometries.
  • Resolve address issues in user apps which are not human-to-machine interactions.

Getting started

Check these links to get started with the Geocoding API:

Get your API key

Sign in or register and get your first API key.

Guide to get API key

Understand pricing

Use the pricing calculator to estimate costs for Geocoding API.

Estimate costs

Test on API Explorer

Make your first API call without writing code.

Open API Explorer

Best Practices for Geocoding

In this article, we’ll explore best practices for geocoding more effectively with TomTom’s Geocoding API.

Read this article