Skip to main content

Benefits of using OPeNDAP


Frequently, efforts at collaboration between groups of researchers are frustrated by technical issues with sharing their datasets.

Network communications problems impede the collaborative efforts of geographically scattered groups.
  • OPeNDAP uses existing, well understood technologies (based on the http protocol) to move data across the Internet.
Different groups use different data analysis packages, and can't easily combine their data.
  • OPeNDAP seamlessly gives users access to data in a variety of different formats.
Learning new software wastes effort that should be directed toward looking at the data.
  • From the user's point of view, enabling an application to use OPeNDAP doesn't change its behavior - it just extends the range of available data.
Most packages cannot use data in foreign formats. Collaboration is effectively restricted to other groups who chose the same package. Within the group, researchers get "stuck" with a package that doesn't really suit their requirements.
  • Since OPeNDAP can translate between data formats, the range of available data is greatly extended.
Centralized data repositories cannot support works in progress.
  • OPeNDAP uses existing network protocols to allow direct access to any compatible datasets that researchers care to make available.
It takes too long to rewrite an existing application for a different data access API. It also means the loss of procedures that were developed in-house.
  • OPeNDAP does not require new code or new applications - existing applications can be converted easily.