Fetching Building Data
Learn how to retrieve comprehensive building information from the syte API using geographic coordinates.
Single Building Data APIs
syte provides three APIs to fetch data for a single building, all returning the same GeoJSON objects with 2D building geometry and comprehensive attributes about the building:
| Endpoint | Parameter | Use Case | Docs |
|---|---|---|---|
/api/cadastral/building/{building_identifier} | syte building identifier | When you already have the building ID | View |
/api/cadastral/building-at | Exact geo-coordinate | When coordinates match building geometry exactly | View |
/api/cadastral/building-near-by | Approximate geo-coordinate | Most common - finds closest building within radius Recommended | View |
Recommended Approach
Use the near-by API for most use cases
Geocoding sometimes returns coordinates near the building entrance rather than exact building geometry matches. The near-by API handles this gracefully by finding the closest building within a specified radius (default: 30m).
Example Workflow
Step 1: Geocode the Address
First, convert your address to coordinates. See the geocoding guide for details.
Step 2: Fetch Building Data
Use the building-near-by API with your coordinates:
Fetch Building Near Coordinates
API Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
lat | number | Latitude coordinate | Required |
lng | number | Longitude coordinate | Required |
radius | number | Search radius in meters | 30 |
primary_only | boolean | Exclude secondary buildings like garages | false |
Step 3: Understanding the Response
The API returns a GeoJSON object that can be directly processed by most mapping and GIS applications. The response includes:
{ "type": "Feature", "geometry": { "type": "Polygon", "coordinates": [[[...]]] // Building outline }, "properties": { "id": "DENW49AL00009XBy", "on_property": "PROPERTY-DENW49AL00009b0D", "on_parcels": ["DENW49AL00009b0D"], "address": "Fernholzstraße 31 a", "usage": "Wohnhaus", "built_surface_area": 74.46942, "ridge_height": 10.25, "floors": 3, "floorspace": 147.20683, "volume": 493.23328, "roof_type_lod2": "Satteldach", "roof_surface_area_lod2": 115.765625, "energy_demand_label": "E", "construction_year_estimate": 1983, "coverage_type": "open-semi-detached-house", "heating_system_estimate": "gas", // ... many more attributes } }
View the complete list of available attributes in the building-near-by API documentation.
Visualizing Building Data
You can visualize the GeoJSON response using geojson.io, a free online tool:
Visualize Building on Map
Next Steps
Once you have the building data:
Use the building ID from the response for subsequent API calls
Access related property data using the property ID in the response
Fetch additional analysis like photovoltaic potential or building development potential
Additional Resources
- Interactive API Documentation
Explore all building data endpoints
- Geocoding Guide
Convert addresses to coordinates
- GeoJSON Specification
Learn more about the GeoJSON format