API Usage

OpenScienceMethods provides a range of tools for collecting, sharing, visualising, and analysing environmental and scientific data.

API access is intended for educational, citizen science, research, and monitoring applications. Standard API usage limits* apply unless via agreement (contact us if you require more).

please Contact us to get API access.

*Current Standard API usage limits: -3 registered devices/registered sensors, 200 data calls per day, 10 measurement threshold email alerts, 5 offline sensor alerts, Get result via API calls every 10 seconds. If your project requires higher usage allowances, dedicated sensor names, or collaborative access arrangements, please also get in touch.

API Authentication

Many API functions require an OpenScienceMethods API account.

You will typically need:

  • API Username
  • API Password

These credentials are created when you gain API access

Upload Data

Endpoint

https://opensciencemethods.org/api/postdatav2.php

Method

HTTP POST

Purpose

Uploads measurements from sensors, weather stations, data loggers, microcontrollers, and other monitoring devices.

Authentication Required

✅ API Username
✅ API Password

Supported Variables

Integer Values

i1
i2
i3
i4
i5

Used for whole-number measurements.

Decimal Values

d1
d2
d3
d4
d5

Used for decimal measurements (stored to 2 decimal places).

Optional Parameters

ParameterDescription
locationSampling location
notesAdditional metadata or comments
typeSensor type/category
sensorSensor or station name

Sensor Naming Rules

Public Sensors

Sensor names beginning with # are publicly available.

Example:

#SchoolWeatherStation
#RiverMonitoring

Restricted Sensors

Sensor names not beginning with # may be:

  • Reserved for specific users
  • Protected by sensor passwords
  • Allocated to specific projects

Examples:

KingsWeatherStation
ResearchProject01
RiverGaugeNorth

If you require a dedicated sensor name for a project, please contact us.

Retrieve Sensor Data

Endpoint

https://opensciencemethods.org/api/get-data.php

Purpose

Retrieve data associated with a specific sensor or station.

Authentication Required

✅ API Username
✅ API Password

Required Parameter

sensor

Example:

sensor=#SchoolWeatherStation

or

sensor=ResearchProject01

Typical Uses

  • Mobile applications
  • Dashboards
  • Research projects
  • Historic data retrieval
  • Environmental monitoring systems

Dedicated Project Sensors

Some sensor names may be allocated to:

  • Research collaborations
  • Educational projects
  • Citizen science programmes
  • Environmental monitoring initiatives
  • Long-term deployments

These dedicated sensors generally require an API account and approval from OpenScienceMethods.

If you would like a dedicated project sensor, please get in touch.

API Usage Limits

We aim to keep OpenScienceMethods.org free. Standard usage limits therefore apply to help ensure fair access for all users.

Limits may vary depending on:

  • Account type
  • Project requirements
  • Collaborative arrangements
  • Infrastructure capacity

If your project requires higher limits, regular polling, or large-scale data collection, please contact us to discuss your requirements.

We actively encourage research and educational collaborations and favour higher level access and support in these instances. We can also offer customisation according to needs.

Public Tools (No API Account Required)

The following tools are freely accessible and do not require API credentials.

Data Viewer

https://opensciencemethods.org/api/data.php

View sensor readings and datasets through a simple web interface.

Interactive Dashboard

https://opensciencemethods.org/dashboard.php

Explore data using charts, visualisations, and interactive tools.

Add suffix ?device=16 (changing 16 to your respective device) to display. Also accepts the tz=EAT for specific timezones = see data portal for info.

WebR Console

https://opensciencemethods.org/webr

Browser-based R environment powered by WebR.

Suitable for:

  • Data analysis
  • Statistical testing
  • Visualisation
  • Teaching and learning
  • Rapid data exploration

No software installation required.

Research Collaboration

OpenScienceMethods is an independent open science project operated with limited resources and a strong focus on education, citizen science, and research impact.

We welcome:

  • Academic collaborations
  • Student projects
  • Citizen science initiatives
  • Environmental monitoring projects
  • Educational partnerships

If you are considering using OpenScienceMethods data or infrastructure within a project, publication, dissertation, grant application, or research programme, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Questions, ideas, or potential collaboration?
Get in touch via https://opensciencemethods.org/contact.