OpenTopography API and STAC

OpenTopography provides machine-readable access through REST/OpenAPI services plus STAC and CSW catalogues.

Point Elevation API

The Point Elevation API returns an elevation for a latitude/longitude and allows the dataset to be selected. The current options include LINZ1m_DTM and LINZ1m_DSM.

An API key is required. OpenTopography currently documents free limits of 250 calls per 24 hours for academic Point Elevation API users and 50 for non-academics. Limits and subscriptions can change, so check OpenTopography for Developers before building a production workflow.

Global Datasets API

The raster API provides area extraction from several global DEMs. Its free-key rate limits currently differ slightly from the point service: 200 calls/day for academics and 50 for non-academics according to the developer page.

Data Catalog API

Use the catalogue API for bounding-box discovery of hosted topography collections before deciding what to download.

STAC

OpenTopography publishes a SpatioTemporal Asset Catalog for raster DEM holdings. STAC is useful because scripts and GIS/cloud tools can discover datasets and assets using a common catalogue model instead of scraping web pages.

CSW

A CSW 2.0.2 catalogue endpoint also remains available for clients that use OGC Catalogue Service for the Web.

API-key handling

Do not commit an API key into a public GitHub repository or browser application. OpenTopography explicitly prohibits sharing keys or exposing them through an app in a way that lets third parties bypass the one-user/one-key model.

Last reviewed: 26 August 2026