Elevation APIs
Elevation APIs return ground height for a latitude and longitude. Open Topo Data is free with no key and also returns ocean depth, drawing on open datasets like SRTM, ASTER and GEBCO, and Open-Elevation can be self-hosted under GPLv2. The USGS Elevation Point Query Service answers in feet or metres but covers U.S. points only, while MapTiler bundles elevation with its keyed map tiles.
| API | Pricing | Auth | Format | Free tier | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MapTiler Cloud APIVector and raster map tiles, map styles, static map images, geocoding and elevation from one keyed API. Location & Mapping › Maps | Freemium | API key | JSON | 1k–10k/day | Live |
Open Topo DataPoint elevation and ocean-depth lookups from open datasets like SRTM, ASTER, and GEBCO. Location & Mapping › Geocoding | Free | None | JSON | 1k–10k/day | Live |
Open-ElevationGround elevation in metres for one or many latitude/longitude points, with a self-hostable GPLv2 server. Location & Mapping › Maps | Freemium | JSON | <100/day | Live | |
USGS Elevation Point Query ServiceGround elevation in feet or metres for a U.S. latitude/longitude point, from USGS elevation models. Location & Mapping › Maps | None | JSON | Unlimited | Live |
MapTiler Cloud APIFreemiumLive
Vector and raster map tiles, map styles, static map images, geocoding and elevation from one keyed API.
API key · JSON
1k–10k/day
OpenAPI spec
Open Topo DataFreeLive
Point elevation and ocean-depth lookups from open datasets like SRTM, ASTER, and GEBCO.
None · JSON
1k–10k/day
no machine-readable spec
Open-ElevationFreemiumLive
Ground elevation in metres for one or many latitude/longitude points, with a self-hostable GPLv2 server.
· JSON
<100/day
no machine-readable spec
USGS Elevation Point Query ServiceLive
Ground elevation in feet or metres for a U.S. latitude/longitude point, from USGS elevation models.
None · JSON
Unlimited
no machine-readable spec
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Choosing an Elevation API
Is there a free Elevation API?
Yes. Open Topo Data is free to use, and Open-Elevation and MapTiler Cloud API have a free tier alongside paid plans.
Which Elevation APIs work without an API key?
Open Topo Data and USGS Elevation Point Query Service need no key or sign-up, so you can try them with a plain request.
Can I call an Elevation API from front-end JavaScript?
USGS Elevation Point Query Service allows cross-origin requests and needs no key, so it works straight from the browser. For the others, call them from your server so your key stays private.
Can I use Elevation APIs in a commercial project?
Open Topo Data and USGS Elevation Point Query Service permit commercial use. MapTiler Cloud API restricts it, for example to non-commercial or attributed use, so read the terms first.
Which Elevation APIs work with AI agents?
MapTiler Cloud API publishes an OpenAPI spec for generating clients and tools.
Broader: Maps APIs · Location & Mapping APIs