GeoNames
Operator: Unxos GmbH, Switzerland
Geographical database with place names, coordinates and administrative assignments from around the world.
Image, Video & Geo
Product
GeoNames comprises a geographical database, web search, data downloads, and free and paid web services.
Availability and source date
Active
As of: 16 October 2026.
No functionality test has been performed.
Use in OSINT research
Place names and coordinates help identify geographical names and compare spelling variants. Data comes from multiple sources and can be supplemented by users.
Queries
| Input | Result | Result type |
|---|---|---|
| Place name | Place records with geographical details in a list or map view. | Retrieved |
| Coordinates | Through the web service: place records near the coordinates. | Retrieved |
Features
- Searches geographical names in lists and maps.
- Shows alternative place names, elevation and population details.
- Exports place names as CSV and maps as PNG.
- Provides data downloads and web services.
Categories
- Image, Video & Geo
- Geolocation
Coverage
Geographical coverage
Global
Dataset
Worldwide geographical names from public sources and user contributions.
Access
Requirements
Web search and data downloads are public. Web services use a GeoNames username; premium services require a paid account.
Export
CSV and PNG in the web interface; text files as ZIP downloads, and XML and JSON through web services.
Provider
Unxos GmbH
Country of establishment
Switzerland
Interfaces
API
Available. Free and paid GeoNames web services. Limits depend on the service and plan.
MCP
Not documented. Not described in the product information reviewed.
AI agents
Not documented. Not described in the product information reviewed.
Usage note
Redistribution of GeoNames data requires attribution and a licence notice.
Legal note
Limitations
- Data from different sources and user contributions may be incorrect or incomplete.
- Free and premium web services have different limits.
- Premium data downloads are a separate offering; the entry price here applies to web services.
Guides and practical reports
Official · GeoNames Webservices
GeoNames · EN
Explains queries, response formats and web-service limits.