Database import · EcoSpold 1

Import EcoSpold 1 XML databases

Load EcoSpold 1 XML, build searchable activities and sparse matrices, and inspect the resulting database through the UI, HTTP API, Python client, CLI, or MCP.

What is EcoSpold 1?

EcoSpold 1 is the earlier XML exchange format used notably by ecoinvent versions 1 and 2. An EcoSpold 1 file can carry process datasets with their reference products, technosphere inputs, elementary exchanges, units, and categories.

Explore VoLCA See all import formats

Files VoLCA accepts

  • A plain EcoSpold 1 XML file.
  • EcoSpold 1 XML packaged as ZIP, 7z, tar.gz, or tar.xz.

VoLCA reads the XML content and checks for the EcoSpold 1 namespace or ecoSpold root rather than relying only on the filename.

What is imported

  • process datasets and reference products
  • technosphere, biosphere, and waste exchanges
  • units, locations, categories, and available documentation
  • supplier links, search indexes, and calculation matrices

Upload once, inspect through any VoLCA interface

The upload endpoint detects the database format, stages the source, and makes it available to load. The same imported database can then be used from the UI, HTTP API, Python client, CLI, or MCP endpoint.

CLI

Upload the local file

volca --config volca.toml database upload ./database-ecospold1.xml \
  --name "my-database"

The engine accepts ZIP, 7z, tar.gz, tar.xz, XML, CSV, and supported .xlsx database inputs, with the exact choice depending on the source format.

Python

Use the same upload endpoint

from volca import Client

client = Client("http://localhost:8080")
client.upload_database("database-ecospold1.xml", name="my-database")

Replace the local URL with the address of your VoLCA server and provide credentials when required.

Database CLI reference Python client guide HTTP API guide

Interpretation boundaries

  • EcoSpold 1 database XML is distinct from any LCIA method file. Import and validate a compatible method separately.
  • Cross-database supplier links and flow mappings should be reviewed when the source depends on another database.

See an imported EcoSpold 1 BAFU database in use →

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