LightBox API FAQ

Q: What happened to SpatialStream?

A: We have a new and improved API that is well documented and follows the RESTful standards. While this is the preferred api we still support SpatialStream and use it in several of our applications. 

Q: Are you sunsetting SpatialStream?

A: We are not retiring SpatialStream, nor will we stop supporting SpatialStream. It is a powerful engine that our new APIs use in the background to service many of the endpoints.

Q: Why did LightBox create a new API set? 

A: One of our challenges with SpatialStream for our client base was that it did not follow modern RESTful ways. SpatialStream was also difficult for our clients to use due to it being very generic and each API endpoint had many options. 

Our new APIs are easy to use, well documented, and follows the RESTful way. This makes it easier for our partners and clients to integrate powerful property centric data within their applications in a form that they are very comfortable with. 

Q: Can I still use SpatialStream?

A: Yes, SpatialStream is still available it is not going away? We also have addressed the authentication method that has been an issue for many end users in the past.

Q: How long is the evaluation period and are there request limits?

A: The typical evaluation is 3 weeks long. During the evaluation period, you will have access to all of the APIs that are in the catalog. During that time, a maximum of 2000 requests are allowed to any of the endpoints.

Q: Why can I not return Canadian data through all the endpoints?

A: Canadian data is only available through the Geocoding and Address endpoints at this time. We are working on adding more Canadian data in future releases. 

Q: What is the difference between an API and an API Product?

A: An API, provides two applications with a way to talk to one another. Some APIs provide access to data and functionality that can also be accessed with a typical user interface.
For example, the LightBox Valuation platform's Jobs application is a user interface for managing appraisal RFPs and jobs. The corresponding Jobs API provides a way for companies to access the same functionality and data via their own, in-house application(s), rather than the user interface. 

An API Product is a bundle of API proxies that have been combined to provide access to multiple APIs with a single authorization method, set of access limits, and configurations. This makes it easier for developers to work with the bundled proxies than it would if they were unbundled. 

Q: I'm not getting the expected response. Whom do I contact?

A: If you have reviewed the documentation, videos, and FAQs and still need help, please use the Contact Us link or send an email to developer@lightboxre.com. A member of our support team will reach out to you within 48 hours. 

Q: If data is not found during an API call, does this still incur a cost?

A: If the request returns an http code of 2XX 200, 202, 204, etc then we count that as a call regardless of population rates of the fields within each record. If the request returns 4xx, 5xx then there is no cost incurred.