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Use Data in Your Workflows

ODP data is available through several access methods depending on how you want to work: in the browser, in code, in GIS tools, or in a web map.

All of these methods work the same way whether a dataset is private, shared via link, or published. For non-public datasets, you will need an API key.

Before you begin

You need either a public dataset link or access to the dataset through your ODP account. For non-public datasets, generate an API key on your Account page.

Choose an access method

1. Explore and download via the web app

The web app is the quickest way to preview data and download files without writing code.

Use the web app when you want to:

  • preview tabular data
  • inspect column statistics
  • explore files and previews
  • export a filtered subset
  • download uploaded files directly

Start from app.hubocean.earth/catalog or open the dataset directly if you already have the link.

2. Query tabular data with the Python or R SDK

The SDK is the primary way to access tabular data programmatically. It handles authentication, paging, and format conversion so you can focus on your analysis.

Install:

pip install odp-sdk

Query a dataset:

from odp.client import Client

# Authenticate with API key
cli = Client(api_key="Sk_....")

# Or authenticate via browser (if no api_key provided)
cli = Client()

glodap = cli.dataset("aea06582-fc49-4995-a9a8-2f31fcc65424")
cursor = glodap.table.select().dataframes()
df = next(cursor)

See the full SDK reference for R usage, file management, and writing data.

3. Load data into GIS tools via OGC API — Features

If your dataset has geometry, you can load it live into QGIS, ArcGIS, or any OGC-compliant GIS application without exporting it first. Connecting to the OGC API — Features endpoint gives you access to the full catalog of available data with one integration. Adding your API key also gives you access to private and internally shared non-public data.

See the OGC API — Features reference for connection instructions.

4. Visualise large datasets with vector tiles

Vector tiles let you render large geospatial datasets on an interactive map without downloading them. They are supported in QGIS, ArcGIS, and web mapping libraries like MapLibre, Deck.gl, and Leaflet.

Get the vector tile URL for your dataset from the Vector Tiles reference and connect it to your mapping tool or web map.

5. Use the STAC API for metadata discovery

The STAC API is primarily for metadata interoperability and discovery. Use it when your existing tooling already works with STAC or when you want to search ODP catalog metadata through a standard interface.

If you want to work with the actual tabular records or files, use the web app, SDK, OGC API - Features, or vector tiles instead.

See the STAC API reference for details.

Result

You can now choose the right access path for your workflow, from quick browser-based exports to SDK, GIS, and web mapping integrations.

Next steps