---
title: "Nominatim v5 Re-import (deferred project)"
type: project
tags: [recon, storage]
related: []
status: planned
updated: 2026-06-19
---

# Nominatim v5 Re-import (deferred project)

Spun off from the [[fleet-patch-audit]] (2026-06-19). Explicitly out of scope for that patch pass — to be scheduled as its own maintenance window.

## Context

Nominatim on **recon-vm** (VM 1130, data node) is running **4.5.0** via Docker image `mediagis/nominatim:4.5` (~14 months old). Latest upstream is **5.3.2**.

This is NOT a routine version bump. Nominatim v5 (released February 2025) changed the underlying data model. Moving from 4.x to 5.x requires deploying the `mediagis/nominatim:5.x` image and running a **full OpenStreetMap re-import** — there is no in-place upgrade path.

## Coupled dependency: Photon

**Photon must be upgraded from 1.1.0 → 1.2.0 in coordination.** Photon 1.2.0 was released specifically to read the Nominatim v5 data model. Upgrading only one side risks incompatibility; both must move together at cutover.

## Constraints and risks

- **Disk is the primary blocker.** The data node is at ~92% capacity (~73 GB free). A full OSM re-import is large and disk-heavy. The import must target external or provisioned storage — not the existing data pool. Disk and time budgets must be planned before starting.
- Re-imports are slow; schedule a maintenance window with adequate runway.
- The 4.5 deployment must remain live until validation is complete — do not destroy it before cutover.

## Suggested steps (high level)

1. Provision sufficient disk on or attached to recon-vm for the import scratch space and new data volume.
2. Stand up `nominatim:5.x` alongside the running 4.5 deployment (parallel, not replacement).
3. Run a fresh OSM import into the new deployment.
4. Upgrade Photon to 1.2.0 and point it at the new Nominatim v5 data.
5. Validate geocode and reverse-geocode parity between old and new stacks.
6. Cut over (update any consumers pointing at Nominatim/Photon endpoints).
7. Retire the 4.5 deployment and reclaim its disk.

## Status

Deferred. Not scheduled. Pick this up as a standalone maintenance window separate from routine fleet patching.
