WFS (Web Feature Service) is an OGC standard used for one-way data streaming, ideal for mapping and analysis. The 4M WFS (Web Feature Service) API enables seamless, real-time integration of utility data—such as lines and points—from the 4M platform directly into GIS applications. This eliminates the need for manual file downloads and supports faster, more responsive geospatial workflows.
This is available to users with Admin access in 4Map. Admins must first request access from their Customer Success Managers.
Step 1: Generate Your API Key
From the navigation drop down:
Log in to 4Map and click on your initials in the top-right corner.
Select Generate API Key from the navigation dropdown.
Fill in the following fields:
Link name (optional): Add a label like ESRI_Integration for clarity.
Expiration date (optional): Useful for temporary access or shared credentials.
Click Publish WFS.
Other ways to access the API Key:
Alternatively, you can access the API page directly from the Admin panel by clicking the Manage WFS button on the top right,
OR you can click on the API from the Download dropdown within a project.
After you create the API key, you can click on any of the options above to access the API WFS management page. Once you are on the page and have generated the API key, you’ll see:
A WFS endpoint URL for direct use in your GIS platform.
The status marked as “Active.”
Note that:
Only one API link may be active at a time.
All projects created in the 4M account will be visible in the WFS API (no timeframe restriction).
Streaming 4M’s Data:
When the WFS link is enabled, all projects (including past projects) in the account will be streamed from the URL. If any of the data is updated afterwards (such as recovery data), the 4M data will also be updated in your GIS platform.
If a Validated project is ordered, the streamed 4M data will be updated from Foundation to Validated.
Technical Specifications:
Applied Rate Limit:
25 requests/sec
Burst Allowance of 100 requests/sec.
Stream limits:
100k max features limit per request
Revoking Access: API keys can be revoked or set to expire at any time by clicking the Actions box next to the WFS URL that was created and selecting "Revoke Access." Revoking a key will change its status to “Revoked.”
Step 2: Connect the WFS URL to Your GIS Platform
Now that your WFS endpoint and API key are ready, you can copy the WFS URL from 4M and add the URL directly into your GIS platform (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) to start streaming 4M utility data in real time.
Here are several different workflows to connect the 4M WFS URL to your GIS platforms:
ArcGIS Online:
QGIS:
FEMA:
To learn more about connecting your WFS API to your GIS platforms, see this support article for a deep dive.
Need access to the 4M WFS API? Reach out to your Customer Success Manager to get your organization set up.