# Getting started

This guide explains how to integrate with the OS Features API in various open GIS (Geospatial Information System) software applications.

{% hint style="info" %}
If you are not familiar with the OS Features API please read the [overview documentation](https://docs.os.uk/os-apis/accessing-os-apis/os-features-api) before proceeding.
{% endhint %}

## What you need?

* One of the GIS software applications listed below
* OS Features API URL and key; see [getting-started-with-an-api-project](https://docs.os.uk/os-apis/core-concepts/getting-started-with-an-api-project "mention") for more information

## Instructions

You can use any of the applications listed below to integrate with the OS Features API. Click a link to open the instructions on how to integrate with the OS Features API service for each application.

* [arcgis-online](https://docs.os.uk/os-apis/accessing-os-apis/os-features-api/getting-started/arcgis-online "mention")
* [arcgis-pro](https://docs.os.uk/os-apis/accessing-os-apis/os-features-api/getting-started/arcgis-pro "mention")
* [arcmap](https://docs.os.uk/os-apis/accessing-os-apis/os-features-api/getting-started/arcmap "mention")
* [cadcorp-sis](https://docs.os.uk/os-apis/accessing-os-apis/os-features-api/getting-started/cadcorp-sis "mention")
* [mapinfo-pro](https://docs.os.uk/os-apis/accessing-os-apis/os-features-api/getting-started/mapinfo-pro "mention")
* [qgis](https://docs.os.uk/os-apis/accessing-os-apis/os-features-api/getting-started/qgis "mention")

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When using a Premium Plan, it's best not to select a lot of features or a large geographic area in your GIS software as this can easily use up API transactions.
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# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.os.uk/os-apis/accessing-os-apis/os-features-api/getting-started.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
