An Application Programming Interface to Query Real-Time Water Data

Abstract

Websites utilize Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to interact with other web services and applications, granting external access to their data for integration with various software systems. APIs offer a standardized means for programmers to retrieve and utilize this data, enabling the creation of diverse functional applications. Prior to API adoption, data transfer relied on memory drives, posing risks such as theft or loss. For organizations managing water-related challenges, real-time water data is crucial, but transmitting it effectively has been challenging. The Digital Water Lab at the University of Michigan addresses this by implementing the Digital Water Lab API (DWLAPI), empowering stakeholders to directly access and incorporate water data into their applications, enhancing efficiency and accessibility.