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Hong Kong Observatory vs openSenseMap

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

APIHong Kong ObservatoryHEALTHY60openSenseMapHEALTHY84
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d100%90.2%
Uptime · 30d100%90.0%
P50 · ms1415655
P95 · ms36704139
Authnonenone
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseHKO open data (see terms of use)Open data (license set per senseBox; often public domain)
Free tierFree, no keyFree (open-source citizen-science platform)
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

Hong Kong Observatory vs openSenseMap: common questions

Which is more reliable, Hong Kong Observatory or openSenseMap?

On our scheduled checks, Hong Kong Observatory leads on measured uptime — Hong Kong Observatory at 100% versus openSenseMap at 90.2% over 90 days. These are our own probe results, not provider claims; the uptime bars above show the day-by-day record for both.

Which is faster, Hong Kong Observatory or openSenseMap?

openSenseMap has the lower median latency in our checks — Hong Kong Observatory responds in 1415 ms versus openSenseMap at 655 ms (P50). Tail latency (P95) is in the table above; for most workloads the median is the number that shapes how the API feels.

Do Hong Kong Observatory and openSenseMap need an API key?

Neither needs a paid key — Hong Kong Observatory is callable with no signup, and openSenseMap is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.

Can I call Hong Kong Observatory and openSenseMap from the browser?

Yes — both Hong Kong Observatory and openSenseMap 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 Hong Kong Observatory and openSenseMap free for commercial use?

Hong Kong Observatory has unclear commercial terms, and openSenseMap 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.