18F vs DataStream
If you need a Open Data API that's easy to integrate, go with DataStream.
DataStream
An open access platform for sharing Canadian water quality data
18F
- No authentication required
- No HTTPS support
- Currently flagged as inactive
DataStream
- Simple API key authentication
- HTTPS supported
- CORS enabled for frontend use
| Feature | 18F | DataStream |
|---|---|---|
| Authentication | None | apiKey |
| HTTPS | No | Yes |
| CORS | Unknown | Yes |
When to use which?
18F is the better choice for quick prototypes and hackathons since it requires no authentication. DataStream works directly from the browser with CORS enabled, making it better for frontend-only apps. DataStream supports HTTPS, which is required for production deployments and secure data handling.