Regional Datasets
Identify geographic regions, building code zones, and design parameter areas using the Calcs.com GIS API.
What are Regional Datasets?
Regional datasets contain geographic boundaries (polygons) defining areas with specific design requirements, building code zones, or climate classifications.
Common Applications:
- Building code region identification
- Wind zone classification
- Snow load region determination
- Seismic design zones
- Geographic boundaries
Available Datasets
Wind Design Regions
Nordic Wind Regions
| Dataset | Country | Standard |
|---|---|---|
no_base_wind_speed | Norway | NS-EN 1991-1-4 |
se_base_wind_speed | Sweden | SS-EN 1991-1-4 |
Note: For US wind data, use the Contour API which provides interpolated values. The Region API is for Nordic countries where wind speeds are defined by geographic zones.
Snow Load Regions
| Dataset | Country | Description |
|---|---|---|
norway_snow | Norway | Ground snow load zones |
se_snow | Sweden | Characteristic snow load regions |
Other Regional Datasets
| Dataset | Description |
|---|---|
countries_marine_land | Geographic country boundaries |
no_directional_factor | Norway directional factor zones |
API Endpoints
| Endpoint | Use Case | API Reference |
|---|---|---|
/gis/environmental_loads | Recommended - Get all regional data automatically | Environmental Loads API |
/gis/region | Direct region lookup for specific datasets | Region API |
Tip: The
/gis/environmental_loadsendpoint automatically determines which regional datasets apply to your location. It's the simplest way to get design parameters.
Understanding Regional Responses
The Region API returns properties that vary by dataset type. See the Region API Reference for detailed response schemas and examples.
Common response fields:
id- Database record IDvalue- Design value with unit (mathjs format)value_unitless- Raw numeric value_warnings- Data quality notes
Fallback Behavior
Nearest Region (Coastal/Border Sites)
If coordinates fall outside all regions:
- API searches for nearest region within 10km
- Returns closest match with a warning in
_warnings
No Region Found
If no region exists within 10km, the response will include a warning indicating no region was found.
Best Practices
Choose the Right Endpoint
| Location | Endpoint | Why |
|---|---|---|
| US | /gis/contour | Wind speeds vary continuously via contour interpolation |
| Nordic (SE, NO) | /gis/region | Wind speeds defined by geographic zones |
| Any | /gis/environmental_loads | Recommended - Auto-selects the correct method |
Check Warnings
Always check the _warnings array in responses for data quality notes, fallback notifications, or coverage limitations.
Related Documentation
- Environmental Loads API - Recommended unified endpoint
- Region API - Direct region lookup
- Wind Data - Wind speed datasets and usage