OpenRouteService

Self-Hosted

Open-source routing and geospatial analysis tool for maps

Overview

OpenRouteService is an open-source routing and geospatial analysis tool built on OpenStreetMap data. It provides turn-by-turn navigation for multiple modes (car, bicycle, foot, public transit), forward/reverse geocoding, isochrone maps (areas reachable within time/distance), and matrix routing for origin-destination pairs. Deployable via Docker or manual setup, it supports self-hosting to ensure data privacy and control. Ideal for developers or organizations needing on-premise geospatial services, it offers REST APIs for easy integration and customizable configurations to adapt to specific use cases.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  openrouteservice:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: openrouteservice
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Multi-modal routing (car, bike, foot, public transit)
Forward/reverse geocoding and isochrone maps
Matrix routing for multiple origin-destination pairs
OpenStreetMap data integration

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is OpenRouteService hard to install?

Installation is straightforward with Docker (using official images), but manual setup requires importing OpenStreetMap data and configuring the service—basic technical knowledge (Docker, database management) is helpful for self-hosting.

? Is it a good alternative to Google Maps Platform?

Yes, for use cases prioritizing self-hosting, privacy, or open-source flexibility. It lacks some of Google’s real-time features (like global traffic updates) but offers robust routing/geocoding with free OSM data.

? Is OpenRouteService completely free?

Yes—OpenRouteService is open-source (Apache 2.0 license) and free to use, self-host, or modify. However, self-hosting incurs server and data storage costs.

Top Alternatives

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Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Maps and Global Positioning System (GPS)

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused self-hosting option
⊕ Open-source (customizable and free to use)
⊕ Supports multiple transportation modes
⊕ Uses community-driven OpenStreetMap data

Cons

⊖ Requires significant server resources for large datasets
⊖ Technical setup (OSM data import and configuration needed)
⊖ Regular data updates required to stay current with OSM changes