What is the difference between sample rows and the full download?
Samples are free and unlimited to call; full exports cost credits. Use samples to validate schema, coordinate ordering and real values throughout development before you commit to a paid pull.
1. What a sample gives you
A sample is a small slice of a dataset that ships one, returned by GET /v1/dataset/:table/sample/:format. It is public and costs no credits, so you can call it as often as you like during development. Supported formats are json, csv, geojson and kml.
curl "https://api.topolab.nl/v1/dataset/nl-domino-poi/sample/json"The JSON sample returns a table, format, a rowCount and a rows array. Sample size depends on the dataset — small datasets may return every row, while very large datasets are capped — but it is always enough to confirm field names, types and coordinate values.
2. When to reach for a sample
Use samples to confirm field names and types before mapping them in code, to verify coordinate ordering and reference system, and to develop and test parsers without consuming your monthly credit allowance. The geojson and kml samples return rows as point features; GeoJSON coordinates are ordered [longitude, latitude] and are always WGS84 (EPSG:4326).
Need the profile, not the rows?For a structured field profile — types, null ratios, distinct counts — without downloading any rows, read the fieldAnalysis array on the dataset detail record instead.
3. When you need the full download
Once the schema looks right, the full export is a separate paid step: GET /v1/dataset/:table/files/:format requires an X-API-Key and an active license for the dataset, and costs credits per download. In short: sample freely to validate, then download the complete dataset when you are confident it fits.
SHP has no sampleShapefile (SHP) is not offered as a sample. Inspect geometry with the JSON or GeoJSON sample; SHP is available as a full export.
Laatst bijgewerkt 25 juli 2026