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Interactive Testing Alternatives

The Issue: While the AVERT API now returns JSON by default, the playground may still have display limitations with large responses. The Solution: Use these reliable testing methods for the best experience with the improved API. Here are the best alternatives for testing:

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1. Browser-Based Testing

Postman (Recommended):
  1. Download Postman
  2. Create a new GET request to: https://avert-legacy.ldeo.columbia.edu/api/imagery/infrared/query
  3. Add parameters:
    • site: CLNE
    • vnum: 311240
    • search_from: 2024-05-30T12:00
    • search_to: 2024-05-30T14:00
  4. Click Send - you’ll see beautiful JSON formatting!

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2. Command Line Testing

curl -s "https://avert-legacy.ldeo.columbia.edu/api/imagery/infrared/query?site=CLNE&vnum=311240&search_from=2024-05-30T12:00&search_to=2024-05-30T14:00&limit=10" | jq .
Using the limit parameter: The API now supports a limit parameter to control result size for better testing!

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3. Python Testing

  • Simple Test
  • Complete Testing Script
import requests
import json

# Test infrared imagery query with limit
response = requests.get(
    "https://avert-legacy.ldeo.columbia.edu/api/imagery/infrared/query",
    params={
        "site": "CLNE",
        "vnum": 311240,
        "search_from": "2024-05-30T12:00",
        "search_to": "2024-05-30T14:00",
        "limit": 10  # Control result size
    }
)

print(f"Status: {response.status_code}")
print(f"Found {len(response.json())} images")
print("\nFirst image:")
print(json.dumps(response.json()[0], indent=2))

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4. JavaScript/Browser Console

Open your browser’s developer console and run: 
// Test the API directly from browser
fetch(
  "https://avert-legacy.ldeo.columbia.edu/api/imagery/infrared/query?site=CLNE&vnum=311240&search_from=2024-05-30T12:00&search_to=2024-05-30T14:00&limit=10"
)
  .then((response) => response.json())
  .then((data) => {
    console.log(`Found ${data.length} images`);
    console.table(data); // Nice table display
    return data;
  })
  .catch((error) => console.error("Error:", error));

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Expected Results

When testing with our recommended parameters, you should see:
  • Status: 200 OK
  • Results: ~10 infrared images (controlled by limit parameter)
  • Format: Clean JSON array with image metadata
  • Response time: Usually < 2 seconds

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Still Having Issues?

If you’re having trouble with any of these methods:
  1. Check your internet connection
  2. Verify the AVERT API is online: Visit avert-legacy.ldeo.columbia.edu
  3. Try a different date range: Use recent dates within 2024
  4. Contact support: Email avert-system@proton.me
The API itself is robust and reliable - these alternatives will give you the full experience that the playground aims to provide.