API Testing Alternatives

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:

1. Browser-Based Testing

Postman (Recommended):

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

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 .

curl -H "Accept: application/json" \
     -H "User-Agent: AVERT-API-Test" \
     "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!

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))

import requests
import json
from datetime import datetime

def test_avert_api():
    """Test both infrared and visible imagery endpoints"""

    base_params = {
        "site": "CLNE",
        "vnum": 311240,
        "search_from": "2024-05-30T12:00",
        "search_to": "2024-05-30T14:00",
        "limit": 10  # Control result size for testing
    }

    endpoints = {
        "infrared": "https://avert-legacy.ldeo.columbia.edu/api/imagery/infrared/query",
        "visible": "https://avert-legacy.ldeo.columbia.edu/api/imagery/visible/query"
    }

    for name, url in endpoints.items():
        print(f"\n=== Testing {name.title()} Imagery ===")

        try:
            response = requests.get(url, params=base_params, timeout=30)
            response.raise_for_status()

            data = response.json()
            print(f"Status: {response.status_code}")
            print(f"Results: {len(data)} images")

            if data:
                print(f"Time range: {data[0]['timestamp']} to {data[-1]['timestamp']}")
                print(f"Example image: {data[0]['image_id']}")

        except requests.RequestException as e:
            print(f"Error: {e}")
        except json.JSONDecodeError as e:
            print(f"JSON Error: {e}")

if __name__ == "__main__":
    test_avert_api()

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));

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

Still Having Issues?

If you’re having trouble with any of these methods:

Check your internet connection
Verify the AVERT API is online: Visit avert-legacy.ldeo.columbia.edu
Try a different date range: Use recent dates within 2024
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.

Getting Started

The Single-Board Computer

Node Software

The Data Server

API Reference v1

The AVERT Data Portal

API Testing Alternatives

Interactive Testing Alternatives

1. Browser-Based Testing

2. Command Line Testing

3. Python Testing

4. JavaScript/Browser Console

Expected Results

Still Having Issues?

​Interactive Testing Alternatives

​1. Browser-Based Testing

​2. Command Line Testing

​3. Python Testing

​4. JavaScript/Browser Console

​Expected Results

​Still Having Issues?

Interactive Testing Alternatives

1. Browser-Based Testing

2. Command Line Testing

3. Python Testing

4. JavaScript/Browser Console

Expected Results

Still Having Issues?