What is a REST API for geodata?

A REST API is a web service style where resources are accessed via HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) and URLs, often with JSON responses. In geo context: fetch features, geocoding, tile URLs, metadata.

Examples: PDOK Location Server, OGC API Features (modern successor to WFS), custom APIs behind GeoApps. REST is simpler for web and mobile clients than heavy SOAP or pure XML-GML.

REST API is not the same as classic WMS/WFS OGC services, though OGC now standardizes RESTful APIs. "API" is the broader term; REST describes the architecture style.