# Getting started

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

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

## What you need?

* One of the GIS software applications listed below
* OS Vector Tile 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 Vector Tile API.

These pages should be used in conjunction with the [technical-specification](https://docs.os.uk/os-apis/accessing-os-apis/os-vector-tile-api/technical-specification "mention").

The following sub-sections provide step-by-step instructions on how to access the OS Vector Tile API:

* [esri-arcgis-pro](https://docs.os.uk/os-apis/accessing-os-apis/os-vector-tile-api/getting-started/esri-arcgis-pro "mention")
* [cadcorp-sis](https://docs.os.uk/os-apis/accessing-os-apis/os-vector-tile-api/getting-started/cadcorp-sis "mention")
* [qgis](https://docs.os.uk/os-apis/accessing-os-apis/os-vector-tile-api/getting-started/qgis "mention")
* [create-a-web-application-using-the-os-vector-tile-api](https://docs.os.uk/os-apis/accessing-os-apis/os-vector-tile-api/getting-started/create-a-web-application-using-the-os-vector-tile-api "mention")


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# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

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```
GET https://docs.os.uk/os-apis/accessing-os-apis/os-vector-tile-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.
