# Sandbox Quick Start Guide

In order to streamline onboarding for new XINA projects we have created a XINA "Sandbox" environment to test data pipelines and tools. Everything in the sandbox is fully configured as a typical XINA production environment.

#### Step 1: Request NAMS Access

To get started, first request access through the [NAMS service](https://nams.nasa.gov). The application name is "GSFC XINA Sandbox".

#### Step 2: First Login

Once you receive confirmation that the account is approved, perform your first login to the XINA Sandbox by going to [sandbox.xina.io](https://sandbox.xina.io). This initial login creates your user account. You will initially have access to a series of default Sandbox data. If you require access for a specific project contact our team and we will help finish setting up required permissions.

#### Step 3: Create an API Key

To access the XINA API for importing data you will require a XINA API key. In the XINA web application, click your user name in the top right, then "User Profile" in the drop down.

[![user_profile.png](https://wiki.xina.io/uploads/images/gallery/2023-04/scaled-1680-/user-profile.png)](https://wiki.xina.io/uploads/images/gallery/2023-04/user-profile.png)

Switch to the "Access Keys" tab and click "Create New Key".

[![user_profile_key.png](https://wiki.xina.io/uploads/images/gallery/2023-04/scaled-1680-/user-profile-key.png)](https://wiki.xina.io/uploads/images/gallery/2023-04/user-profile-key.png)

Copy the entire displayed text and save it to a local file in your preferred location. You will need to reference this file when opening the [XINA Tunnel](https://wiki.xina.io/books/utilities/page/xina-tunnel) to use the XINA API. A common naming convention is `<mission>_xina_key.json`. The key will only be displayed once upon creation, if lost you will need to make a new key.

[![user_profile_key2.png](https://wiki.xina.io/uploads/images/gallery/2023-04/scaled-1680-/user-profile-key2.png)](https://wiki.xina.io/uploads/images/gallery/2023-04/user-profile-key2.png)

#### Step 4: Download XINA Tunnel and XINA Import

The [XINA Tunnel](https://wiki.xina.io/books/utilities/page/xina-tunnel) and [XINA Import](https://wiki.xina.io/books/utilities/page/xina-import) utilities are the recommended starting point for importing data. Details for each are available on their respective wiki pages.

#### Step 5: Import Sample Data

`UNDER CONSTRUCTION`