Newest KB Articles in BridgeStation Web Edition

How to load data from our GeoJSON API into QGIS

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 09:58:35 GMT

This guide walks you through loading spatial data directly from our GeoJSON API into QGIS using a simple Python script.

Step 1: Open the QGIS Python Editor

You do not need an external coding environment; QGIS has a Python console built right in.

Open a new or existing QGIS project.
In the top menu, click Plugins > Python Console (Shortcut: Ctrl+Alt+P on Windows, Cmd+Option+P on Mac).
A panel will open at the bottom of your screen. Look at the toolbar inside that panel and click the Notepad icon (Show Editor). A blank text editor will slide open on the right side.

Step 2: Paste the Script

Copy the following Python script and paste it into the blank text editor panel:

Python

import requests
import os
from qgis.core import QgsProject, QgsVectorLayer

# 1. Provide your API URL and Key
endpoint_url = "YOUR_API_URL_HERE"
api_key = "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"

# 2. Fetch the data securely via API headers
response = requests.get(endpoint_url, headers={'ApiKey': api_key})
response.raise_for_status() 

# 3. Save the data to a temporary file on your computer
temp_file = os.path.join(os.path.expanduser('~'), 'temp_api_data.geojson')
with open(temp_file, 'w', encoding='utf-8') as f:
    f.write(response.text)

# 4. Load the file directly into your map
vlayer = QgsVectorLayer(temp_file, "API Data Layer", "ogr")
if vlayer.isValid():
    QgsProject.instance().addMapLayer(vlayer)

Step 3: Run and View Your Data

Replace "YOUR_API_URL_HERE" with your actual API endpoint link. BridgeStation provides a number of standard GeoJSON endpoints. To tailor the data request to your specific requirements and obtain a dedicated endpoint for your authority, please contact BridgeStation Support.
Replace "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE" with your personal API key.
Click the Green Play Button (Run Script) at the top of the script editor panel.

A new layer named "API Data Layer" will instantly appear in your QGIS Layers panel on the left.

Tip: If you cannot see the data on your map right away, right-click "API Data Layer" in your Layers panel and select Zoom to Layer. QGIS will center your screen directly over the newly loaded data.

Hidden Critical Element

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 12:25:19 GMT

In structures, a hidden component/element is one that would not usually be visually inspected as part of a principal inspection. A hidden component is not identified from normal principal inspection techniques such as:

visual inspection from a touching distance
using access techniques such as mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs), roped access etc
hammer tapping

Elements are hidden if they are inaccessible for inspection without excavation or removal or material or other structural components.

Critical elements as per CS 451 Structural review and assessment of highway structures, are those elements whose failure would result in significant local collapse or global collapse of the structure.

Is Element Hidden? Attribute

To specify if an element is hidden, use the "Is element hidden?" attribute in element details. If set to "yes", in the element hierarchy, the suffix "hidden" is added to the element name.

The structure summary page will highlight if one or more hidden critical element exists.

This element attribute is available in the following primary/critical elements:

BridgeStation Update 2016 - User Interface Improvements, Structure Files and Standard Reports Upgrades

Tue, 19 Jul 2016 09:54:55 GMT

The 2016 BridgeStation update includes three main improvements along with other minor bug fixes.

User Interface Improvements

The menu system has been redesigned and simplified. The Action Menu now includes sub-menu items. You may need to mouse over a few menu items to find the module you are looking for.

On some pages the actions menu won't display, but its still available via the Options Button top-left.

Getting support is now via the Support link top-right.

Structure Files Upgrade

Also included is an upgrade to the way BridgeStation stores and presents your Structure Files. Gone are the three photographs, document and drawing tabs. Instead you can access all your relevant files through one page. Click on the Files item in the new Structure Menu.

If you are working on an inspection form, you can get to the inspection folder to upload your photos and documents by clicking the Inspection Files tab.

You can learn more about the Structure Files Upgrade here:

Structure Files - Introduction

Structure Files - Modifications

Standard Reports

Finally there is an update to the standard reports module. These are pre-loaded reports

You can read more about the reports here:

Standard Reports