What is an IP Geolocation API and How does it work?

Overview

IP geolocation APIs are not just for large corporations with lots of funding and staff members. They are also readily available to smaller companies and individuals who would like to use them for their own needs. Here, we will learn about how to find a free IP geolocation API and how to install it on your site to create a map of visitors’ locations.

What is an IP Geolocation API?

An IP geolocation API is a service that provides the geographic location of an internet protocol address. The API returns the latitude and longitude coordinates as well as the country code and time zone. This information can be used to map an IP address to a geographical area for purposes such as security, marketing, or analytics.

Why use an IP geolocation API?

Knowing where your online visitors are coming from can help you to design a more localized website. This is especially important if you sell products or services that are location-specific, such as a restaurant.

An IP geolocation API is also helpful for business owners who need to comply with data protection and privacy laws. It's important to protect your customers' personal information and an IP geolocation API helps you identify whether or not visitors are within the European Union (EU) and subject to GDPR.

For example, if someone visits your site and they're in Spain, it may be necessary for you to ask them for consent before making any marketing contact.

How to install the API on your site.

Create your free AnyAPI account and navigate to the IP Geolocation API tab.

IP Geolocation API supports one GET endpoint. Send the following request to look up an IP address:

curl -X 'GET' 'https://anyapi.io/api/v1/ip/lookup?ip=66.249.86.22&apiKey=<YOUR_API_KEY>'

which returns this payload:

{
  "ip": "66.249.86.22",
  "location": {
    "country": "US",
    "region": "OK",
    "city": "Pryor",
    "latitude": 36.2921,
    "longitude": -95.3129,
    "area": 1000,
    "eu": false
  },
  "timezone": {
    "name": "America/Chicago",
    "currentTime": "04:02:55",
    "hasDST": true,
    "isDST": false,
    "hemisphere": "North",
    "offset": -6
  },
  "flag": {
    "emoji": "🇺🇸",
    "unicode": "U+1F1FA"
  }
}

Or to look up an IPv6 address, send the following request:

curl -X 'GET' 'https://anyapi.io/api/v1/ip/lookup?ip=2607:f0d0:1002:51::4&apiKey=<YOUR_API_KEY>'

which returns:

{
  "ip": "2607:f0d0:1002:51::4",
  "location": {
    "country": "US",
    "region": "TX",
    "city": "Frisco",
    "latitude": 33.2559,
    "longitude": -96.8853,
    "area": 500,
    "eu": false
  },
  "timezone": {
    "name": "America/Chicago",
    "currentTime": "04:07:49",
    "hasDST": true,
    "isDST": false,
    "hemisphere": "North",
    "offset": -6
  },
  "flag": {
    "emoji": "🇺🇸",
    "unicode": "U+1F1FA"
  }
}