Cartes.io vs Open-Elevation API
Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.
Cartes.io vs Open-Elevation API: common questions
Which is more reliable, Cartes.io or Open-Elevation API?
On our scheduled checks, Cartes.io leads on measured uptime — Cartes.io at 99.02% versus Open-Elevation API at 92.2% over 90 days. These are our own probe results, not provider claims; the uptime bars above show the day-by-day record for both.
Which is faster, Cartes.io or Open-Elevation API?
Cartes.io has the lower median latency in our checks — Cartes.io responds in 612 ms versus Open-Elevation API at 739 ms (P50). Tail latency (P95) is in the table above; for most workloads the median is the number that shapes how the API feels.
Do Cartes.io and Open-Elevation API need an API key?
Neither needs a paid key — Cartes.io is callable with no signup, and Open-Elevation API is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.
Can I call Cartes.io and Open-Elevation API from the browser?
Yes — both Cartes.io and Open-Elevation API send CORS headers over HTTPS, so front-end code can fetch either directly with no backend proxy. That makes them easy to swap in a client-side app while you compare responses.
Are Cartes.io and Open-Elevation API free for commercial use?
Cartes.io has unclear commercial terms, and Open-Elevation API has unclear commercial terms. We track service terms and the data license as separate fields — see the Commercial use and Data license rows above, and confirm both before shipping either in a paid product.