Open Topo Data vs What3Words
Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.
Open Topo Data vs What3Words: common questions
Which is more reliable, Open Topo Data or What3Words?
On our scheduled checks, What3Words leads on measured uptime — Open Topo Data at 93.1% versus What3Words at 100% 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, Open Topo Data or What3Words?
Open Topo Data has the lower median latency in our checks — Open Topo Data responds in 285 ms versus What3Words at 391 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 Open Topo Data and What3Words need an API key?
Open Topo Data needs no key, while What3Words requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for Open Topo Data first.
Can I call Open Topo Data and What3Words from the browser?
Neither sends browser-friendly CORS headers reliably, so call Open Topo Data and What3Words from a server or proxy rather than client-side. The CORS and HTTPS rows above show exactly what we detected for each.
Are Open Topo Data and What3Words free for commercial use?
Open Topo Data has unclear commercial terms, and What3Words 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.