# Access Overview

The API system is implemented as two parts. The first part is a web system, the GDAPI portal, which gives access to API key, user, billing and audit functions. The second part is the API itself which is a RESTful API interface with JSON payloads and uses standard HTTP methods and response codes.

## API Web Access

The API web interface can be accessed from [https://gdapi.globaldata.net.au](https://gdapi.globaldata.net.au). From here you will be able to manage your API account, keys and users, and review your usage and audit logs. Access to the web interface requires a valid API account.

Once logged in you will be able to access functions to:

- Manage your account
- Create additional users
- Create API access Keys
- View or update your billing details
- View your API usage and access logs

## Programmatic API Access

The API can be accessed programmatically by authenticating using an API Key. You can create multiple API Keys and restrict them to particular IP addresses or subnets. 

## Sandbox Access

You will initially provided with a sandbox access. This sandbox environment utilizes a separate test dataset which can be used for development and integration testing. The sandbox environment is identical to the production data environment and allows access to the API but does not incur any usage costs.

### Sandbox API Endpoint

When using the sandbox environment, you will need to use the sandbox API endpoint: `https://sandbox-gdapi.globaldata.net.au/api/v2`. Attempting to use the production API endpoint will return a `HTTP/1.0 401 Unauthorized` status.

> **Important Note**: The sandbox environment does not contain real data! The test data consists of randomly generated names, addresses and associated details. Data from the sandbox environment must not be used in a production!