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Open Topo Data vs What3Words

Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.

APIOpen Topo DataNEW—What3WordsNEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
AuthnoneapiKey
CORSnono
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree tier — key may be required
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

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 —% versus What3Words at —% over 90 days. These are our own probe results, not provider claims; the uptime bars above show the day-by-day record for both.

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.