OData - Usage of a REST Based API Standard in Web based Environmental Information Systems

Environmental information in existing custom-build environmental information systems is manifold. Sharing this information via Web APIs for diverse client types to fulfil the needs of ongoing digitisation efforts is still a challenge. This paper analyses the open standard OData (Open Data Protocol) as a possible communication protocol between independent servers and clients. Of interest is also the question, if the protocol is not only capable of sharing environmental data between independent systems but also if the information provided via OData is sufficient for directly creating a web-based end user client. The developed prototypical implementation is tested in two environmental applications from different domains: a small data overview for decision makers and the integration of information in an environmental platform.