This information is provided for technical experts who intend to work directly with the database. Other users can retrieve information using the Greenhouse Gas Search.

Envirofacts has developed a RESTful data service API to all of its internal data holdings. This functionality provides a user of Envirofacts with the ability to query any table through the use of a URL. The default output is in XML, which can be utilized in other applications, as well as tools such as Microsoft Excel or Access. Output options of JavaScript Object Notation (JSON), CSV, and Excel can be requested in the URL. The entire Envirofacts database metadata is available online, so that all tables and columns within Envirofacts are documented. Having the table structures available in this manner makes most of Envirofacts data easily available through the service. Additional information on how to use the RESTful data service API can be found on the Envirofacts RESTful data service API documentation page.

The Greenhouse Gas database within Envirofacts is available to users through the RESTful data service API. To become familiar with the available Greenhouse Gas data and functionality of the RESTful data service API, Envirofacts suggests making use of the following resources.

1) Get to know the Greenhouse Gas data

Make use of the Greenhouse Gas Search or the Greenhouse Gas Customized Search  engines to view and download Greenhouse Gas data. Within the search results, all column headers are hyperlinked to database metadata pages. The metadata is a key resource in finding database tables and columns of interest, for use in forming a RESTful data service API call.

2) Get to know the Greenhouse Gas metadata

Make use of the Greenhouse Gas Metadata Search Tool  to search for data elements of interest that you can access through the API or download to a CSV file. You can also use the Greenhouse Gas Database Model to view columns and tables available for use in the RESTful data service API. Also, within the table metadata pages, example RESTful data service API calls are provided at the bottom page for each table. These examples can assist you in building your own API calls.

3) Get to know the EF RESTful data service API

The API is feature rich and designed to meet a multitude of needs. Please visit the Envirofacts RESTful data service API documentation to view all of the features and capabilities available to users for obtaining Greenhouse Gas data, and other data contained in Envirofacts. The documentation can assist in building an API call that will meet your needs.