What Is Reverse Geocoding?
Reverse geocoding is the process of converting latitude and longitude coordinates into a readable street address. Forward geocoding does the opposite — converting an address into coordinates.
Reverse geocoding turns latitude and longitude into a street address. It's how location apps show you a name instead of just numbers.
How it works
A reverse geocoding service maintains a giant database of address polygons and points. Given coordinates, it finds the closest match — usually the building or parcel at that exact spot, or the nearest road if it's an open area.
Forward vs reverse
Forward geocoding goes from address to coordinates ("123 Main Street, Springfield" → 40.7128, -74.0060). Reverse geocoding goes the other way (40.7128, -74.0060 → "123 Main Street, Springfield"). Both rely on the same underlying database.
Free providers
OpenStreetMap's Nominatim is the most common free reverse geocoder and covers the whole world. We use it server-side with appropriate caching and rate limits. Paid providers (Google, Mapbox, HERE) offer better coverage in some regions.