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New Feature - SensorThings API

Feature used for better dashboard and device integration, real-time data access (less than 120 days old), and location metadata.

Date Posted August 3, 2023 Last Updated October 19, 2023
Author Shawna Gregory
Reading Time 1 minutes Share

SensorThings coming soon to WDFN.

Use the SensorThings API to access national-scale data for quicker application development and the ability to map those results. This API provides users with a flexible way to interconnect data, devices, and application over the Web.

Example of a live call showing the latest result for cubic feet per second discharge on the Missouri River.

Example of a live call showing the latest result for cubic feet per second discharge on the Missouri River.

The SensorThings API uses a subset of the Sensorthings data model, so you can pick and choose the information you would like to see.

A representation of the USGS implementation of SensorThings at this time. Each Monitoring Location is a Thing, which is at a location. There can be multiple datastreams of data collected at each Thing. Each datastream is tied to a single observed property and multiple observations.

A representation of the USGS implementation of SensorThings at this time. Each Monitoring Location is a Thing, which is at a location. There can be multiple datastreams of data collected at each Thing. Each datastream is tied to a single observed property and multiple observations.

What can I request?

  • Locations: The physical location of a Thing.
  • Things: A monitoring location or room where a sensor is mounted.
  • Datastreams: An entry point for a time series from a Thing with a sensor.
  • Observations: A single measurement value.
  • ObservedProperties: A description of what is being measured by a sensor at a specific location.

What are my result options?

The SensorThings API provides responses in a standard JSON format but optional parameters can return different formats.

  • DataArray
  • GeoJSON
  • CSV

Questions or Comments?

Our team uses user-centered design processes to determine design and priorities. Let us know if you have any comments about this new tool by emailing wdfn@usgs.gov.

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