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GBIF vs Satellite Passes

Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.

APIGBIFNEW—Satellite PassesNEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
Authnonenone
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree — limits not published
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

GBIF vs Satellite Passes: common questions

Which is more reliable, GBIF or Satellite Passes?

On our scheduled checks, Satellite Passes leads on measured uptime — GBIF at —% versus Satellite Passes at —% over 90 days. These are our own probe results, not provider claims; the uptime bars above show the day-by-day record for both.

Do GBIF and Satellite Passes need an API key?

Neither needs a paid key — GBIF is callable with no signup, and Satellite Passes is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.

Can I call GBIF and Satellite Passes from the browser?

Yes — both GBIF and Satellite Passes send CORS headers over HTTPS, so front-end code can fetch either directly with no backend proxy. That makes them easy to swap in a client-side app while you compare responses.

Are GBIF and Satellite Passes free for commercial use?

GBIF has unclear commercial terms, and Satellite Passes has unclear commercial terms. We track service terms and the data license as separate fields — see the Commercial use and Data license rows above, and confirm both before shipping either in a paid product.