What is a map REST service?

Created: 10 December 2019 Updated: 14 August 2023

A REST API (Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interface) is a type of web interface that follows the principles of the REST architectural style, which separates client and server and allows them to communicate over HTTP. The client is responsible for the user interface, while the server handles the data storage and processing.

If you use farm software or GIS software, there will be functionality to connect with this service and consume the land datasets directly into your software as a REST API Map Service. You will only need to search for your SBI once, on the first time you set up the service, and this will generate a unique web address (URL) for each dataset which can be stored in your mapping software. You will then automatically consume new and updated land data as it becomes available.