Understand Temporary versus Permanent Geocoding
When using the Mapbox Geocoding API, understanding the difference between temporary and permanent geocoding is crucial for compliance with usage terms and optimizing your application's performance and costs.
What is Temporary versus Permanent Geocoding?
The distinction between temporary and permanent geocoding relates to your usage rights and storage permissions for geocoded coordinate data:
Temporary Geocoding (Default)
Temporary geocoding is the default mode for all Geocoding API requests. With temporary geocoding:
- Display permitted: You can display geocoding results on maps and in user interfaces
- Real-time use allowed: Results can be used for proximity searches, route planning, and other immediate operations
- Storage restricted: You cannot store the coordinate results for future use
- Session-based: Results are intended for use during the current user session only
Permanent Geocoding
Permanent geocoding grants extended usage rights for geocoded data:
- Storage permitted: You can store coordinate results in databases or local storage
- Persistent use: Results can be cached and reused across multiple sessions
- Batch operations: Ideal for processing large datasets where results need to be retained
- Flexible usage: Stored results can be used for analytics, reporting, and offline applications