Using Your API Key

Your API key lets you download certain datasets programmatically or after you’ve registered. Keep it secret.

Why we require an API key

Reliability: helps us manage automated traffic and keep downloads fast for everyone.
Planning: basic usage metrics guide storage and performance improvements.
Access control: protects datasets with licensing or embargo restrictions.
Compliance: supports attribution and acceptable-use requirements.

We only collect minimal details (name, email). Use the key via a browser cookie or send it in scripts (see below).

If you have any questions, give SAMS IT a shout!

Where the key lives

We suggest you keep a note of it in a safe place.

Browser: stored as a cookie after you submit the registration form.
Scripts/CLI: append as a suffix to your url.

Tip: If you’ve registered in your browser already, you can use the cookie value from DevTools → Application → Cookies.

Browser (no code)

Just click a file link. If prompted, complete the registration form once. The site sets the cookie and your download proceeds.

curl

curl -L \
  "https://thredds.sams.ac.uk/thredds/fileServer/path/to/file.nc?api_key=YOUR_API_KEY" -o file.nc

Python (requests)

import requests
url = "https://thredds.sams.ac.uk/thredds/fileServer/path/to/file.nc?api_key=YOUR_API_KEY"
r = requests.get(url, allow_redirects=True, timeout=60)
open("file.nc", "wb").write(r.content)

Common issues

403/401: key missing/invalid/expired. Re-register or update the key value.

If you need a new key or access, contact the SAMS IT team.