# Getting started

The following pages provide an overview of how to get started using the OS Maps API. They cover the core elements to get started in the most common GIS software and web mapping libraries.

{% hint style="info" %}
If you are not familiar with the OS Maps API, please read the [overview documentation](/os-apis/accessing-os-apis/os-maps-api.md) before proceeding.
{% endhint %}

## What you need?

* One of the GIS software applications listed below
* OS Maps API URL and key; see [Getting started with an API project](/os-apis/core-concepts/getting-started-with-an-api-project.md) for more information

## Instructions

The following pages provide step-by-step instructions on how to access OS Maps API in various GIS applications:

* [ESRI ArcGIS Online](/os-apis/accessing-os-apis/os-maps-api/getting-started/arcgis-online.md)
* [ESRI ArcGIS Pro](/os-apis/accessing-os-apis/os-maps-api/getting-started/arcgis-pro.md)
* [ESRI ArcMap](/os-apis/accessing-os-apis/os-maps-api/getting-started/arcmap.md)
* [Cadcorp SIS](/os-apis/accessing-os-apis/os-maps-api/getting-started/cadcorp-sis.md)
* [MapInfo Pro](/os-apis/accessing-os-apis/os-maps-api/getting-started/mapinfo-pro.md)
* [QGIS](/os-apis/accessing-os-apis/os-maps-api/getting-started/qgis.md)


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```
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