M
API Matrix

MapQuest API

⭐ Beginner's Pick Geocoding / API Key Intermediate HTTPS
Varies by plan (check documentation)
74 Score
Grade B
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Overview

MapQuest is a mapping and navigation API that provides geocoding, directions, and map display services. It offers a generous free tier making it easy to get started with location-based features in your apps. You can convert addresses to coordinates, calculate driving directions, and search for nearby points of interest.

💡

Beginner Tip

Sign up at https://developer.mapquest.com/ to get your free API key — no credit card needed for the free tier. Always URL-encode addresses when passing them as query parameters.

Available Data

MapQuest data via REST API
JSON-formatted response data
Requires API key authentication

Example Response

JSON Response 
{
  "status": "success",
  "data": {
    "result": "Data from MapQuest",
    "description": "To access tools and resources to map the world",
    "timestamp": "2025-01-15T10:00:00Z"
  }
}

Field Reference

results Array of geocoding result objects for the provided location
results[].locations List of matched locations with coordinate and address details
results[].locations[].latLng Object containing lat and lng number values for the location
results[].locations[].adminArea5 City name for the matched location
results[].locations[].postalCode Postal or ZIP code of the matched location
info.statuscode 0 indicates success; non-zero values indicate an error condition

Implementation Example 

const url = "https://developer.mapquest.com/";
// Replace headers or query params with the values required by this API.
const response = await fetch(url, {
  headers: {
  "X-API-Key": "YOUR_API_KEY"
  }
});
if (!response.ok) throw new Error(`Request failed: ${response.status}`);
const data = await response.json();
console.log(data);

What Can You Build?

Note: These code examples are AI-generated and unverified. Always refer to the official API documentation for accurate usage.

Common Errors & Troubleshooting

403 Forbidden API key is missing or invalid
✓ Register at developer.mapquest.com and pass your key as the key query parameter
Ambiguous location results The address provided matches multiple places
✓ Include more specific location details like city and state, or use the full postal address
Route not found The start or end location could not be geocoded
✓ Verify that both addresses are valid and reachable by road; some remote areas may not have routing data

Matrix Score Breakdown

🌐 Reachability 30/30
⚡ Speed 10/20
🔒 Security 15/15
🛠 Developer XP 9/20
✓ Reliability 10/15

Partially tested on Apr 5, 2026

Technical Specifications

Auth API Key
HTTPS REQUIRED
CORS NO
Category Geocoding
Difficulty Intermediate
Verified: 2026-04-04

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