Newsletter 27 February 2020
In this newsletter we will inform you, as a user of the KNMI Data Centre (KDC), about the upcoming changes. The KDC will be replaced soon by a new KNMI Data Platform.
We would like to draw your attention to the following:
- Introduction of the new KNMI Data Platform
- Maintenance KNMI Data Centre: unavailable for a large part of the day on 2 March 2020
- Differences between the KNMI Data Centre and the KNMI Data Platform
- KNMI Data Platform under development: roadmap 2020
- Invitation to participate in the development of 'radardata API’s’
Introduction of the new KNMI Data Platform
KNMI is currently working on a new KNMI Data Platform (KDP). Not only a change of name, but also a transition to new techniques. The new platform will initially be more primitive than the current KDC. And, the way of downloading data will change: FTP and HTTP downloads will be replaced by API download. This has an impact on the way you download data now.
The plan is to switch from KDC to KDP at the end of March 2020.
The current state of affairs can be followed via the website (data.knmi.nl) and you can be kept informed via our newsletters.
Maintenance KNMI Data Centre: unavailable for a large part of the day on 2 March 2020
In order to improve our services, we will carry out maintenance on March 2nd, 2020. As a result, Open Data will not be available through the KNMI Data Centre for much of that day.
Differences between the KNMI Data Centre and the KNMI Data Platform
In order to be able to continue to fulfil future ambitions, a digital transformation has been initiated at KNMI. This includes the development of a new KNMI Data Platform (KDP) as a successor to the KNMI Data Centre (KDC). Definitions for the new platform functionalities are in line with customer requirements and new technical developments.
Since the introduction of the KDC in 2012, increasing use has been made of the data centre and data volumes have increased significantly. This makes a new technique of data access necessary: API's. This makes it possible to make a targeted data selection when downloading (instead of large standard files). This change has as a consequence:
- FTP and HTTP downloads are replaced by API download
In the following newsletter, information and examples on updating downloadscripts from FTP to API download will follow.
The new platform is with its introduction more primitive than the current KDC: it acts as a basis on which we will continue to build. That means:
- No search options 'what', 'where' and 'when'.
- No filtering on Open Data possible
- No WMS and WCS functionality
- All datasets (including data descriptions) in one large list on the catalogue page
Do all functions return in the new platform? That depends, among other things, on our users. The goal is to only develop functionalities in cooperation with users, so that they will (continue to) be used in the future.
KNMI Data Platform under development: roadmap 2020
For 2020, the main focus will be on the further development of APIs to optimize access to KNMI data for all forms of use (Open Data, SLA users). Considered are API's per data domain e.g. radar, model, seismology.
Keep in mind that KDP is constantly evolving, with the aim of improving services for our users. Our goal is to only develop functionality that is really needed by our users. Feedback is therefore appreciated! You can reach us via e-mail (dataservices@knmi.nl).
Invitation to participate in the development of 'radardata API’s’
Interested in participating in the development of the 'radardata API’s'? We will start developing these radardata API’s in April. Indicate your interest by sending an email to dataservices@knmi.nl with radar API as subject, and we will contact you. More information will follow in our next newsletter.