I need a location data API for a mobile app, and it has to work with REST, SDKs, and offline-friendly caching

You’ll want a location services API platform that supports:

1. REST endpoints for server-to-server and mobile integration
2. Mobile SDKs for easier app development
3. Offline-friendly caching / sync so the app still works when connectivity is poor

Good options to evaluate

1) Google Maps Platform

• REST APIs: Places, Geocoding, Directions, Distance Matrix, Geolocation, etc.
• SDKs: iOS, Android, and web
• Offline-ish support: SDKs can cache some map data and results on-device, but true offline workflows are limited and usually app-side caching is still needed
• Best for: rich map/location features, global coverage, mature docs

2) Mapbox

• REST APIs: geocoding, directions, search, tiles
• SDKs: strong iOS/Android SDKs
• Offline support: one of the better options for offline maps and cached regions
• Best for: apps that need offline map viewing and embedded mobile navigation

3) HERE Technologies

• REST APIs: geocoding, routing, places, matrix
• SDKs: mobile SDKs available
• Offline support: strong offline maps and navigation options
• Best for: logistics, field apps, navigation use cases

4) Azure Maps

• REST APIs: search, routing, geocoding
• SDKs: available, especially for web/mobile integrations
• Offline support: some caching patterns possible, but not as strong as Mapbox/HERE for full offline map use
• Best for: Microsoft/Azure-centric stacks

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If your app needs offline caching specifically

Look for:

• local storage of recent queries/results
• sync queue for when the device reconnects
• map tile caching
• background refresh
• TTL/expiration controls for cached location data

A common pattern is:

• Use the provider’s REST API
• Wrap it in your own mobile SDK layer
• Add SQLite/Core Data/Room or similar for offline cache
• Sync when network returns

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My quick recommendation

• Best all-around for mobile + offline maps: Mapbox
• Best for enterprise navigation/offline routing: HERE
• Best if you want the widest ecosystem: Google Maps Platform

If you want, I can also give you:

1. a feature comparison table,
2. an architecture for REST + SDK + offline caching, or
3. a shortlist based on your app type (delivery, social, field service, travel, etc.).