FAQs

Where can I find metadata?

General metadata can be found on the dataset page. Specific metadata can be found directly in the download area of the respective data set. For measurement data, a distinction is made between station and parameter metadata. Both are available for download in the upper right-hand corner on page 3 of the data portal. When obtaining grid data sets, the corresponding parameter metadata is available on page 2 of the download form.

How can I download larger amounts of raster data?

On the one hand, raster data can be downloaded collectively for a specific period using the download form. Please note that the amount of data that can be downloaded at one time is limited. On the other hand, raster data is available collectively for several time steps in the file archive. Multiple files from a page can be downloaded, for example, using an external browser extension. Alternatively curl or wget can be used as well.

Which data formats are directly available?

Depending on the data set and access options, the following formats are available: Raster data can be downloaded either as NetCDF or time series of grid points as CSV. Station data is available in CSV format.

Can the selected or available stations be displayed on a map?

In the download area (‘Go to data set’) of each data set, individual or all stations can be selected from the station list and then displayed on an interactive map of Austria by clicking on the map icon. All stations can be selected by clicking on the box to the left of ‘Number’ in the table header.

Why can't I find data for all weather stations?

The GeoSphere Austria data hub only provides station data collected by GeoSphere Austria. For data from other sources, please direct your enquiry to the relevant service or institution.

Is it possible to obtain more specific data sets?

GeoSphere Austria is also happy to provide data that goes beyond the free offering. Depending on the amount of data and its use, costs may be incurred. The customer service staff at GeoSphere Austria will be happy to advise you on selecting suitable data sets for your specific needs.

Is there an overview map of the currently active measuring stations?

An overview map of the current GeoSphere Austria measuring stations is available at https://www.geosphere.at/en/maps/current-weather

Information on the Austrian measuring network can be found here: https://www.geosphere.at/en/data/data-basis/measurement-networks

Is it possible to download station data for specific regions (e.g. federal states, climate regions)?

Stations can be selected based on geographical information, such as state borders, using the filter function in the download form. In addition the map offers tools for selecting measuring stations in individually defined areas.

Is it possible to download raster data for specific areas?

In the download form raster data can be selected for the entire domain as well as for a selected geographical section by specifying the bounding box.

Is there a list of stations including metadata such as sea level and coordinates?

An overview of the station metadata is available as a CSV file directly in the download form of the corresponding data set.

Where can I find operating instructions for the data set pages?

Information on the structure of the data record pages can be accessed via the Info button located on the right-hand side of each page.

What datasets are available?

The GeoSphere Austria Data Hub offers public data provided by GeoSphere Austria and third parties. Available data sets can be displayed via the groups on the home page or the 'Data' and 'Groups' tabs respectively. Further information can be found in the metadata of individual datasets.

Where can I find additional information about the data sets?

Metadata can be found on the data record page and, in the case of station data, in the download form for the respective data record.

What software can be used to read NetCDF files?

Panoply, for example, can provide a quick overview. For further processing of NetCDF files, ArcGIS or QGIS, as well as corresponding software packages in R or Python, can be used.

What software can be used to read CSV files?

CSV files can be read and further processed in a simple text editor or Excel, as well as with appropriate software packages in R or Python. Please note that a full stop ‘.’ is used as the decimal point and the characters are encoded in UTF-8.

Where can I find data from weather stations in other (EU) countries?

The GeoSphere Austria data hub only provides station data collected by GeoSphere Austria. For data from other sources, please direct your enquiry to the relevant service or institution.

How do I access the forecast datasets?

Different forecast datasets are available in the group forecasts and can be downloaded via API or file archive.

How can I open a .csv file in Microsoft Excel?

Instructions on how to best import .csv files from the GeoSphere Austria data portal into Microsoft Excel can be found here.

Where can I find information on the units of the data provided?

Information about the units can be found in the metadata for the respective data set.

Where can I find information about the API? Is there also real-time weather data available?

Yes, however, these can only be obtained via the API. Documentation for the API can be found here.

What is metadata?

Metadata contains information about data, meaning that it is superordinate to data. In the case of measurement data, for example, it provides information about the unit used, the period under consideration or the key for non-quantifiable values. In the case of measuring stations, the metadata contains information such as the coordinates of the station, its altitude above sea level or the station number. It also specifies the parameters for which data is available at the station.

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Are there official packages, functions, or clients (e.g., for R, Python) to access data from the GeoSphere Austria Data Hub?

Currently, there are no plans to provide our own software clients or programming libraries. Access is primarily achieved directly via the REST API, which can be easily integrated into scripts (e.g., bash, Python, R). However, we would like to draw your attention to the following known external projects developed by the community:

Please note that GeoSphere Austria assumes no responsibility for the content, accuracy, or functionality of these external products. Accordingly, we are unable to answer any technical support questions related to these tools. If you are aware of any other relevant projects, we would appreciate it if you could let us know via our contact form.

Why can't I access the data despite registering and logging in?

If you have the appropriate permissions, make sure that you are registered with your institution's email address. Permissions are granted based on the email domain.

I have forgotten my password. What should I do?

A new password can be requested via the login button on the homepage (button ‘Forgot Password’).

How do I gain access to the restricted data sets?

Access can be requested via the login button on the homepage . (Button ‘Register’). Data sets are released based on individual usage agreements. If you are interested, please contact us via the contact form

How can I tell if I am authorised to download a dataset?

The different permissions are indicated by the lock icon, which is located at the bottom right of the search results and at the top right of the data record page. There are three categories: Private (lock icon; only viewable and downloadable by the data owner), Restricted (lock icon with star; metadata viewable by all, data download only for certain user groups) and Public (no icon; viewable and downloadable by all users).

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Where can I find more information about data protection at GeoSphere Austria?

Further information on data protection at GeoSphere Austria can be found here: https://www.geosphere.at/de/datenschutz

What are the terms and conditions for using the data sets?

The use of the data is free for every person insofar as the terms of use of the data sets, which are explicitly visible for each data set in the metadata, and the information and disclaimers are acknowledged and complied with (see https://data.hub.geosphere.at/en/legal).

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Are there any ways to report my observations?

Your observations supplement our measurements and help us to provide you with better information:

Can I get personal advice?

Personal contact can be established via the contact form if desired. Please note that costs may be incurred depending on the amount of work involved. Initial contact via the form is free of charge - fees are only incurred after confirmation of cost coverage.

How quickly will my inquiries via the contact form be answered?

We strive to respond to your inquiries as quickly as possible. Please understand that you may sometimes have to wait longer for a response. This is due to the high volume of inquiries and the fact that information must be gathered from various sources.

How can I contact the research and development department?

If you already know who to contact, you can get in touch with researchers and developers directly. Otherwise, please use the contact form.

I need an official report (e.g. for an insurance claim) - what do I have to do?

Please send an inquiry to klima@geosphere.at. We will be happy to provide you with a non-binding cost estimate.

How can I provide feedback?

You can use the contact form to send us your feedback.

Where can I find an overview of the services offered by GeoSphere Austria?

More detailed information about our services can be found here: https://www.geosphere.at/en/data/services

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Didn't find an answer? Contact us via our Contact Form.