Introduction
Geocoding is an innovative solution for turning geographic coordinates into a readable address. You can also choose any real address and get its exact coordinates. We will describe in detail a Geocoding API key and its purpose.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
- What a Geocoding API Key is and why it’s important
- How to get geocode api key via Distancematrix.ai
- How to add the key to your geocoding requests
- Free vs. paid usage plans, and how they affect your tokens
You’ll also learn why our service offers a simpler, more cost-effective approach than alternatives like Google or Bing.
What is a Geocoding API Key?
The Geocoding API key — often referred to as a “token” — is a unique, confidential string that identifies your application or project to Distancematrix.ai. By including this key in each request:
- You authenticate your queries – Distancematrix.ai recognizes which account is making the call.
- You track usage accurately – All requests under that token are counted toward the correct plan or quota.
- You unlock the right features – Depending on your plan (Free or Growth), your token grants access to relevant capabilities like geocoding or reverse geocoding.
Looking to get geocode API key quickly? Sign up at Distancematrix.ai and receive it instantly after registration.
Purpose of Geocoding API Keys
The Geocoding API web service can be used by web platforms or mobile application developers who need accurate geo data. It is possible to geocode only static addresses, that is, those that are known in advance. It will help to place the content of any application on the map.
Geocoding has certain pricing plans. The cost of such a service depends on the number of items you plan to request per month.
To understand a Geocode API key, we need to consider the request parameters: address and key.
The address is the postal address that you will geocode. It is important to indicate the address in the specified format used by the national postal service in a particular region. There is no need to add various details of the address: the apartment number or the organization name.
The API key for Geocoding is your application's identification to manage quotas. That is, it is the key that determines your actions and your goals.
You can use a specific HTTP request to monitor usage statistics for the Geocoding API. There you specify the required time period and get statistics for this interval. You can also use this information to predict how much you'll pay.
Getting Geocoding API Keys
To obtain a Geocoding API Key, follow these steps:
- Register at Distancematrix.ai
- Head to our signup page to create your free account.
- You’ll automatically receive a confirmation email with helpful links and instructions.
- Access your admin panel
- After logging in, go to the Admin Panel.
- By default, you’re on the Free plan, which includes four tokens (and you can create a fifth).
- Tokens are essentially your API Keys.
- Check your token limits
- On the Free plan, you can process 1,000 elements per month across all tokens.
- In case you need more monthly elements or more tokens, you can upgrade to the Growth plan for unlimited usage.
Adding the Geocoding API key to your request
Every Geocoding request must include your Geocoder API Key as a parameter in the query string:
- address: The postal address you’re converting into coordinates.
- key: Your Geocoding API Key (token) from the Distancematrix.ai admin panel.
Formatting addresses:
Use the standard format recognized by the local postal service. Avoid extra details like apartment numbers or business names in the address field.
Restrictions for Geocoding API keys
We may impose certain application restrictions on tokens, sometimes necessary for security reasons. On a Free plan, your tokens are limited in the number of elements you can use per month. You can receive 1,000 elements every month. After you have used all the elements, you should upgrade to the Growth plan or stay with the free option.
Except the limits in the number of elements, you don’t have any other restrictions on a free plan. So feel free to use all the features of all the Distancematrix.ai products.
The paid plan (Growth plan) has no restricting API at all; you get unlimited items per month. Here it is important to pay attention that in one request you can convert only one location, which will be considered as one element. We kindly ask you not to send more than 100 requests per second due to system rate-limits that ensure stability and fair usage for all users.
Please feel free to text us and discuss your questions with the manager if you have any.
Begin Your Geocoding Integration in Minutes
Acquiring a Geocoding API Key from Distancematrix.ai is simpler and more cost-effective than using Google, Bing, or other providers. We offer a generous Free plan for smaller projects, plus an affordable Growth plan with unlimited usage when you’re ready to scale.
With your new key, you can:
- Convert street addresses to precise coordinates
- Reverse-Geocode coordinates to addresses
- Build custom mapping or route-optimization features
Get started now to unlock the full potential of geocoding for your apps or websites.
Need Help?
- Support Team: Reach out anytime with questions.
- Documentation: Explore advanced integrations, best practices, and code samples.
