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Query Language

The query language allows users to find points of interest from pre-processed OpenStreetMap data. It is similar in style to the Overpass Query Language but has different syntax.

Syntax

There are three elements to the query language:

  • The type of element, which corresponds to OpenStreetMap elements.

    A node (n), way (w), or relation (r) feature filter starts the query.

    n   // all nodes
w   // all ways
r   // all relations
nw  // all nodes and ways
nwr // all nodes, ways, and relations
*   // all nodes, ways, and relations

  • The tags that are attached to the element(s), which are wrapped in [] (square brackets).

    The type can then be filtered by the tags associated with the feature. Most tags in OpenStreetMap are string key-value pairs.

    The supported operators for tag matching are:

    • = (equals): checks for exact value matching.
    • != (not equals): checks that the value does not match.
    • > and >= (greater than and greater than or equal to): checks that a value is greater than or greater than or equal to the specified value.
    • < and <= (less than and less than or equal to): checks that a value is less than or less than or equal to the specified value.
    • =~ (contains): checks if the value contains the string, case-insensitive.
    • !~ (does not contain): checks if the value does not contain the string, case-insensitive.

    Info

    Values for a tag can be enclosed in " (double quotes) to support longer names with spaces.

    Examples:

    • nw[amenity=cafe] - nodes and ways where the amenity equals cafe
    • nw[amenity=cafe][name!=Starbucks] - nodes and ways where the amenity equals cafe and the name is not Starbucks
    • w[population>800] - ways where the population is greater than 800
    • n[population>=800] - nodes where the population is greater than or equal to 800
    • nw[name=~Starbucks] - nodes and ways with names that contain Starbucks
    • nw[name!~Starbucks] - nodes and ways with names that do not contain Starbucks
    • n[name="Starbucks","Coffee"] - nodes with names that exactly match "Starbucks" or "Coffee"

  • A directive limiting the results based on non-OpenStreetMap data. These are always wrapped in () (parentheses).

    • area=<string> - This is required for each query. It limits the range of elements to a specific area.
    • bb=minLon,minLat,maxLon,maxLat - This returns results only within a bounding box. It is used with area, not as a replacement for it.
    • id=<number>,<number>,... - Returns specific OpenStreetMap identifiers.

This language provides a flexible and powerful way to query OpenStreetMap data, enabling users to find specific points of interest based on various criteria.