# PostPass

> adaption of Overpass used with PostGIS

**Wikidata**: [Q133568747](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q133568747)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/postpass

## Summary
PostPass is a software adaptation of the Overpass API designed specifically for use with PostGIS. Developed by Frederik Ramm using the Go programming language, it acts as a bridge allowing tools like Overpass Turbo to query PostGIS databases. The software is open-source, licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0.

## Key Facts
- **Nature:** PostPass is an instance of software adapted from the Overpass API for use with PostGIS.
- **Developer:** Created by Frederik Ramm, a German software developer and OpenStreetMap contributor.
- **Programming Language:** Written in Go.
- **License:** Distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0.
- **Latest Version:** Version 0.20 (stable) was released on April 2, 2025.
- **Usage:** It is utilized by Overpass Turbo to interface with PostGIS.
- **Repository:** Source code is hosted at `https://github.com/woodpeck/postpass-ops`.
- **Presentation:** The software was described at the FOSSGIS conference 2025 in Münster.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary function of PostPass?
A: PostPass adapts the Overpass API to work with PostGIS, a spatial database extender for PostgreSQL. This allows users to run Overpass queries against data stored in PostGIS.

### Q: Who developed PostPass?
A: PostPass was developed by Frederik Ramm, a German software engineer and consultant known for his contributions to OpenStreetMap.

### Q: What are the recent version releases for PostPass?
A: As of early April 2025, the stable version is 0.20, released on April 2, 2025. The previous stable version, 0.10, was released on March 30, 2025.

## Why It Matters
PostPass addresses a specific technical need in the geospatial and OpenStreetMap ecosystem by bridging the gap between the Overpass query language and PostGIS databases. Traditionally, the Overpass API is used to query the main OpenStreetMap database. By adapting this functionality for PostGIS, PostPass enables users to leverage the powerful, flexible syntax of Overpass on their own localized or modified geospatial datasets hosted within a PostGIS environment.

This capability is particularly significant for advanced users and developers who require the specific query capabilities of Overpass but need the data management control of a PostGIS instance. Its integration with widely used tools like Overpass Turbo lowers the barrier to entry, allowing existing workflows to be repurposed for custom database backends. The project represents an evolution in open-source geospatial tools, combining the performance of the Go programming language with the robustness of PostGIS.

## Notable For
- **Unique Adaptation:** It is distinct for bringing Overpass API functionality directly to the PostGIS platform.
- **Tool Integration:** It enables the popular web UI tool, Overpass Turbo, to connect to PostGIS backends.
- **Rapid Development:** The project showed active development with two stable versions (0.10 and 0.20) released within days of each other in early 2025.
- **Open Source:** It is fully open-source under the GPL v3.0 license, encouraging community contribution and audit.

## Body

### Development and Technical Context
PostPass is an adaptation of the Overpass API, engineered to function with PostGIS. The project is authored by Frederik Ramm, a German software developer born in 1972, who has been an OpenStreetMap contributor since 2006. The software is classified as a non-tangible executable component and is written in the Go programming language, a language developed by Google and the open-source community.

### Release History
The software has a recent and active release history. The stable version 0.10 was published on March 30, 2025. Shortly thereafter, version 0.20 was released on April 2, 2025, which is marked as the preferred stable version. These releases are archived and available via GitHub.

### Licensing and Repository
PostPass is licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0. The source code and issue tracking system are maintained in a public repository located at `https://github.com/woodpeck/postpass-ops`. The software is explicitly described as copyrighted.

### Usage and Community
The software was notably featured and described by source media during the FOSSGIS conference 2025 held in Münster. Its primary known user base integrates it with Overpass Turbo, extending the utility of that tool beyond the standard Overpass API endpoints.

## References

1. [Source](https://media.ccc.de/v/fossgis2025-58235-overpass-turbo-goes-postgis)
2. [Release 0.10. 2025](https://github.com/woodpeck/postpass-ops/releases/tag/v0.10)
3. [Release 0.20. 2025](https://github.com/woodpeck/postpass-ops/releases/tag/v0.20)
4. [Source](https://github.com/woodpeck/postpass-ops)