> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.os.uk/os-apis/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.os.uk/os-apis/accessing-os-apis/os-ngd-api-tiles/getting-started.md).

# Getting started

The following pages provide an overview of how to get started using the OS NGD API – Tiles. They cover the core elements to get started in the most common [GIS software](/os-apis/accessing-os-apis/os-ngd-api-tiles/getting-started/gis-software.md) and [web mapping libraries](/os-apis/accessing-os-apis/os-ngd-api-tiles/getting-started/libraries.md).

{% hint style="info" %}
These pages should be used in conjunction with the more detailed pages within the [Data Structure section](https://docs.os.uk/osngd/data-structure/data-structure-information) and the API's [technical specification](/os-apis/accessing-os-apis/os-ngd-api-tiles/technical-specification.md).
{% endhint %}

## What you need

* One of the GIS software applications or web mapping libraries available in the sections below.
* OS NGD API – Tiles API Key. See [Getting started with an API project](https://docs.os.uk/os-apis/core-concepts/getting-started-with-an-api-project) for more information on how to get started with an OS API project.

## Getting started guides

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><h3>GIS Software</h3><p>These pages provide step-by-step instructions on how to access OS NGD data via OS NGD API – Features in various GIS software packages.</p></td><td><a href="/pages/act1fsyt4h67lH1oY69g" class="button primary">Cadcorp SIS</a><br><br><a href="/pages/Ly5XXnfbNyWgI4jVNHtX" class="button primary">QGIS</a><br></td><td><a href="/pages/22276677324cc55add541676e0ad85348e10bafb">/pages/22276677324cc55add541676e0ad85348e10bafb</a></td></tr><tr><td><h3>Libraries</h3><p>These pages provide step-by-step instructions on how to access OS NGD data via OS NGD API – Features in various web mapping libraries.</p></td><td><a href="/pages/32aa090b19685b4a942c063bf0e25e7006740eed" class="button primary">Leaflet</a><br><br><a href="/pages/0fd2f6d275f23f165b1f370c2af122c1feb8eead" class="button primary">MapLibre GL JS</a><br><br><a href="/pages/e9e8eabe8538bdfcae56f88ecfc3ba006bf20660" class="button primary">OpenLayers</a><br></td><td><a href="/pages/eee9bb74324048e14545dd13ddbf342a642ba49c">/pages/eee9bb74324048e14545dd13ddbf342a642ba49c</a></td></tr></tbody></table>


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