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Maps · head to head

Nominatim vs Quartix

Nominatim logo

Nominatim

Maps

Open-source geocoding tool for OpenStreetMap data, providing address search and reverse geocoding capabilities

From
On request
Free plan
No
Full reviewWebsite
Quartix logo

Quartix

Fleet Management

Deliberately narrow vehicle tracking from a listed UK vendor that publishes its prices

From
On request
Free plan
No
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Nominatim the public API allows an absolute maximum of 1 request per second; Quartix video telematics is not part of the core product, so any fleet that decides it needs camera evidence after an incident has to bring in a second vendor and a second subscription.
  • They diverge on capability: Nominatim covers Core Functionality, Quartix covers Live tracking.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 31 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Nominatim and Quartix actually diverge.

Attributes where Nominatim and Quartix differ
AttributeNominatimQuartix
Pricing modelfreemiumPer vehicle per month
PlatformsWebWeb, iOS, Android
CategoryMapsFleet Management

Identical on both: starting price (On request), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Nominatim

  • Core Functionality
  • User Interface

Only in Quartix

  • Live tracking
  • Driving style scoring
  • Timesheet reporting
  • Geofences
  • Driver identification
  • Published pricing

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Nominatim

  • Geocoding and reverse geocoding servicesnot Quartix
  • Address lookup and location searchnot Quartix
  • OpenStreetMap-based geolocation datanot Quartix

Quartix

  • A UK or French van fleet that wants tracking and timesheet evidence without a discovery call and a three-year commitmentnot Nominatim
  • A finance manager who needs to compare telematics costs on published numbers rather than negotiated quotesnot Nominatim
  • An operator disputing employee hours or customer claims about arrival times who needs a defensible site attendance recordnot Nominatim
  • A small fleet whose insurer offers a discount for driving style monitoring but who does not need cameras or compliance toolingnot Nominatim

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Nominatim

  • The public API allows an absolute maximum of 1 request per second
  • Bulk geocoding must run in a single thread and cannot be distributed across machines
  • Scripts running longer than a day or on a schedule are limited to 4 requests per minute
  • Autocomplete search against the public API is explicitly prohibited
  • Systematic queries such as grid based reverse lookups and complete data downloads are prohibited
  • Reselling geocoding results or acting as an API intermediary is prohibited
  • Every request must send a valid HTTP Referer or User-Agent identifying the application, and default library headers are rejected
  • Results must be cached client side, and repeated identical queries can lead to blocking
  • Attribution to OpenStreetMap under ODbL must be displayed

Quartix

  • Video telematics is not part of the core product, so any fleet that decides it needs camera evidence after an incident has to bring in a second vendor and a second subscription.
  • There is no maintenance, work order or parts management, so servicing schedules stay in whatever spreadsheet or garage system the fleet already runs.
  • US hours of service and wider DOT compliance are not the focus, which rules Quartix out for regulated interstate commercial operations.
  • The standard tracker is hardwired rather than a plug-in device, so installation means booking vehicles in, which adds cost and downtime that no-contract plug-in competitors avoid.
  • The API and integration list are short, so feeding tracking data into payroll, job costing or an ERP tends to mean scheduled exports rather than a supported connector.

Pricing, plan by plan

Nominatim

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Nominatim review.

Quartix

On request
  • Quartix$undefined/month
    • List pricing published openly, with rates varying by contract length
    • Tracking hardware included in the subscription rather than bought separately
    • One-year terms available alongside longer discounted options

Which should you pick?

Choose Nominatim if

  • You need core functionality.
  • You also want user interface.
Nominatim review

Choose Quartix if

  • You need live tracking.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want driving style scoring.
Quartix review

Questions people ask

Is Nominatim or Quartix better?
Neither clearly leads. Nominatim starts at On request and Quartix at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Nominatim or Quartix?
Nominatim starts at On request and Quartix at On request.
Does Nominatim or Quartix run on more platforms?
Nominatim runs on Web. Quartix runs on Web, iOS, Android.
What is Nominatim best used for?
Nominatim is most often used for geocoding and reverse geocoding services, address lookup and location search, openstreetmap-based geolocation data. Of those, geocoding and reverse geocoding services and address lookup and location search are not what Quartix is typically brought in for.
What can Nominatim do that Quartix cannot?
Nominatim covers Core Functionality, User Interface. Quartix covers Live tracking, Driving style scoring, Timesheet reporting, Geofences.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Nominatim: Is Nominatim free?

Nominatim is open source software built on OpenStreetMap data. It appears to be free to use, though commercial usage may require separate licensing or terms. Check the project repository or contact support for clarity on licensing.

Source
Quartix: Why is Quartix cheaper than the big platforms?

Because it does less. There is no camera ecosystem, no compliance suite and no marketplace to fund. If you only need tracking, you are not subsidising features you will not use.

Nominatim: What is Nominatim's pricing model?

Nominatim does not publish a standard pricing model on its website. As open source software, it is available for free, but commercial or large-scale deployments may require reviewing their licensing terms or contacting project maintainers.

Source
Quartix: Do I have to sign for three years?

No. Shorter terms are offered, priced higher per month than the longer options. The rates are published, so the trade-off is visible before you talk to anyone.

Quartix: Is the hardware mine?

The tracking unit is supplied as part of the subscription rather than sold to you. Check the return and replacement terms if you plan to leave or dispose of vehicles.

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