Credentials configuration

Some VisuSat functionalities require authentication to external data services, especially for the EUMETSAT Data Store (EUMDAC) and the Copernicus Marine Service (CMEMS). This page explains how to create the necessary credentials and how to make them accessible to the library.

EUMETSAT Data Store (EUMDAC)

1. Create an EUMETSAT account

You need a Data Store account at:

Create an account if you do not already have one.

2. Retrieve your API keys

After logging in:

  • Go to User Profile (top right)

  • Open the tab API Keys

  • Create a new API key pair

You will obtain two strings:

  • consumer_key

  • consumer_secret

3. Create the local credentials file

VisuSat expects your credentials in a JSON file located at:

~/.config/visusat/id_EUMETSAT.json

Create the directory if needed:

mkdir -p ~/.config/visusat/

Create the file id_EUMETSAT.json with the following content:

{
    "consumer": "YOUR_CONSUMER_KEY",
    "secret": "YOUR_CONSUMER_SECRET"
}

The library automatically detects this file using:

  • $XDG_CONFIG_HOME (if defined)

  • or ~/.config/visusat/ (fallback)

4. Security recommendation

Never commit this file to Git.

VisuSat will automatically use this file through visusat.eumetsat.get_token().

Copernicus Marine Service (CMEMS)

For Copernicus Marine data access, you need an account on:

1. Create your CMEMS account

Registration is free and gives access to all Open data.

2. Login once with the Python client

The first time you use:

import copernicusmarine

copernicusmarine.login()

A browser window will open and ask you to authenticate.

Once validated, a token will be stored locally in:

~/.copernicusmarine/

No JSON file is needed for CMEMS.

3. Verify that authentication works

You can test your setup using:

copernicusmarine.describe()

or:

copernicusmarine.subset(...)

Copernicus credentials are automatically managed by the official client.

Summary

  • EUMETSAT → requires a manual JSON file under ~/.config/visusat/id_EUMETSAT.json.

  • Copernicus Marine Service → uses automatic token management via copernicusmarine login.

Once these credentials are correctly configured, all VisuSat features can be used without further action.