OpenRouteService

OpenRouteService (ORS) is a routing and location services platform that uses OpenStreetMap data to provide directions, isochrones, matrices, geocoding, and elevation information. It is developed by the Heidelberg Institute for Geoinformation Technology (HeiGIT) at Heidelberg University and released as an open-source project. ORS offers a public API for developers and also the option to run a self-hosted instance, allowing integration into applications or private deployments.

The service relies on OpenStreetMap as its primary data source, with regular updates and additional elevation data to support elevation-aware routing. While coverage is global, data density and routing quality can vary by region.

Key features include route directions for multiple transportation profiles (such as car, heavy goods vehicle, cycling, and walking), isochrones that estimate reachable areas by time or distance, and matrices that compute travel times and distances between points. It also provides geocoding and reverse geocoding, enabling address search and location lookup. Route customization options allow avoidance of specific road types or tolls and other constraints.

ORS is available as a hosted service with a free tier and paid plans for higher usage, and as a self-hosted option for organizations wishing to run their own instance. The project emphasizes openness and community collaboration, with ongoing development and public source code.