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The ArcWeather Static Radar API provides a simple way to generate on-demand radar images for a specific geographic area. Instead of working with full datasets or map rendering libraries, this API returns a **ready-to-use image **of the latest radar scan. This makes it ideal for lightweight integrations, reports, previews, and systems that need quick visual context without implementing full map-based rendering.
Usage guidanceThe Static Radar API is built for simple image rendering and should not be used in interactive map environments. Because the response is a single image, it will not scale or update correctly with map interactions. For dynamic or map-based applications, use the PMTiles Radar API.

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How It Works

The Static Radar API is designed to be extremely simple:
  • You provide a bounding box (latitude and longitude range)
  • ArcWeather returns a rendered radar image for that area
  • The image always reflects the latest available radar scan
There is no need to manage timestamps or datasets.

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Example Request

GET http://conus.radar.static.prod.arcweather.cloud/radar?minLon=-96.0000&minLat=32.0081&maxLon=-89.7144&maxLat=35.0120

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Parameters

  • minLon — Minimum longitude
  • minLat — Minimum latitude
  • maxLon — Maximum longitude
  • maxLat — Maximum latitude
These define the geographic area you want the radar image for.

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Response

The API returns a binary image representing the latest radar data. Supported formats:
  • PNG (default)
  • WebP (when supported)
This image can be:
  • Displayed directly in a browser
  • Embedded in dashboards
  • Attached to reports or alerts
  • Used in email or messaging workflows

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What It Looks Like

Radarstaticimageexample2

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When to Use Static Radar

The Static Radar API is best suited for:
  • Simple dashboards
  • Email or SMS previews
  • Scheduled reports
  • Systems without interactive maps
  • Quick visual snapshots of weather conditions

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Static Radar vs PMTiles Radar

ArcWeather offers two radar delivery methods:

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Static Radar (this API)

  • Returns a pre-rendered image
  • Very simple to integrate
  • No frontend map library required
  • Always uses the latest scan

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PMTiles Radar

  • Returns a full radar dataset
  • Designed for interactive maps
  • Higher performance and flexibility
  • Recommended for advanced applications
If you need interactivity, animation, or advanced control, use the PMTiles-based Radar API. If you just need a quick image, Static Radar is the fastest option.

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Authentication

All requests require:
  • Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY
  • X-App: Bearer YOUR_APP_ID
Requests without valid authentication will be rejected.

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Summary

  • Returns a static radar image for a bounding box
  • Always uses the latest radar scan
  • Simple HTTP request, no rendering required
  • Ideal for lightweight and non-interactive use cases
  • Complements the full PMTiles Radar API
Last modified on April 4, 2026