Database import · EcoSpold 2

Import EcoSpold 2 databases

Load a collection of EcoSpold 2 activity datasets and make its activities, products, exchanges, classifications, and links queryable through the same VoLCA interfaces.

What is EcoSpold 2?

EcoSpold 2 is an XML data format developed for ecoinvent version 3. Each .spold activity dataset describes an activity, its reference product, exchanges, classifications, geography, and links to other activity datasets.

Explore VoLCA See all import formats

Files VoLCA accepts

  • One or more .spold activity dataset files, normally packaged as ZIP, 7z, tar.gz, or tar.xz.
  • A partial foreground collection can be loaded separately when its matching background database is configured as a dependency.

VoLCA detects EcoSpold 2 from the .spold datasets inside the uploaded package.

What is imported

  • activities and reference products
  • technosphere, biosphere, and waste exchanges
  • locations, classifications, units, synonyms, and available documentation
  • explicit activity and product identifiers used for supplier linking

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-ecospold2.zip \
  --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-ecospold2.zip", 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

  • Licensed datasets such as ecoinvent are not bundled with VoLCA. You must have the right to use the files you import.
  • Loading a database does not by itself establish LCIA method coverage. Validate flow mappings and the method version separately.

See a checked EcoSpold 2 export with structural invariants →

Other database import formats

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EcoSpold 1

Import EcoSpold 1 XML datasets and inspect activities, exchanges, inventories, links, and calculation results.

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SimaPro CSV

Import a SimaPro CSV database export for fast search, activity inspection, inventories, impacts, and automation.

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Brightway Excel

Import a Brightway Excel .xlsx inventory workbook while preserving activities, exchanges, units, and database links.