3Geonames Org Api

Project Overview

The project is a free reverse geocoding API (3geonames.org) originally launched in 2017. Running initially on a t2.micro EC2 instance, the service experienced steady usage growth that occasionally caused server crashes. To manage scaling, the creator deployed machine images on Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and AWS Marketplace, allowing users to launch dedicated API servers.

Business Model

Interestingly, despite being a free service, the project generates approximately $500 monthly through marketplace server fees. Users can launch their own dedicated API instances, from which the creator receives a portion of the server fees. The API operates without requiring an API key, making it accessible for hobby and small-scale projects.

Technical Considerations

The service runs on a free-tier EC2 instance, which presents scalability challenges. The primary limitation is server capacity, with high usage potentially causing system crashes. This suggests the solution is more suited for moderate-traffic applications or developers willing to deploy their own dedicated instances.

Community Engagement

Community interest appears focused on understanding the monetization strategy and potential use cases. Potential users showed curiosity about implementation details and practical applications, particularly for hobby projects that require reverse geocoding functionality.