API key authentication | Documentation

API key authentication is a type of authentication that uses an API keyAn API key is a long-lived access token created using API key credentials. They are valid for up to one year and are typically embedded directly into client applications.Learn more to authenticate requests to ArcGIS servicesA service, also known as an ArcGIS service, is software that supports an ArcGIS REST API and provides geospatial functionality or data. A service can be hosted by Esri or in ArcGIS Enterprise.Learn more and secure portal itemsAn item, also known as a content item, is a resource stored in a portal such as a web map, hosted layer, style, script tool, file, or notebook.Learn more. It is typically used to create public applicationsA public application is an application that allows anonymous access without requiring users to sign in with an ArcGIS account. It supports API key or app authentication.Learn more that access location servicesArcGIS Location Services, also referred to as Location Services, are services hosted by Esri that provide geospatial functionality for developing mapping applications. They include the ArcGIS Basemap Styles service, ArcGIS Static Basemap Tiles service, ArcGIS Places service, ArcGIS Geocoding service, ArcGIS Routing service, ArcGIS GeoEnrichment service, and ArcGIS Elevation service. An ArcGIS Location Platform or ArcGIS Online account is required to use the services.Learn more, as well as automation scripts.

API key authentication is the easiest type of authentication to set up, and is the recommended type of authentication for applications that only access location servicesArcGIS Location Services, also referred to as Location Services, are services hosted by Esri that provide geospatial functionality for developing mapping applications. They include the ArcGIS Basemap Styles service, ArcGIS Static Basemap Tiles service, ArcGIS Places service, ArcGIS Geocoding service, ArcGIS Routing service, ArcGIS GeoEnrichment service, and ArcGIS Elevation service. An ArcGIS Location Platform or ArcGIS Online account is required to use the services.Learn more.

API key authentication

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Types of authentication

Related terms

api keyAn API key is a long-lived access token created using API key credentials. They are valid for up to one year and are typically embedded directly into client applications.Learn more
api key legacyAn API key (legacy) is a permanent access token created before June 2024 used for accessing ArcGIS location services. API keys (legacy) have been replaced with API key credentials and can no longer be created.Learn more
access tokenAn access token is an authorization string that provides access to secure ArcGIS content, data, and services. Its capabilities are determined by the privileges it supports. It is obtained by implementing API key authentication, User authentication, or App authentication.Learn more
location serviceArcGIS Location Services, also referred to as Location Services, are services hosted by Esri that provide geospatial functionality for developing mapping applications. They include the ArcGIS Basemap Styles service, ArcGIS Static Basemap Tiles service, ArcGIS Places service, ArcGIS Geocoding service, ArcGIS Routing service, ArcGIS GeoEnrichment service, and ArcGIS Elevation service. An ArcGIS Location Platform or ArcGIS Online account is required to use the services.Learn more
developer dashboardThe Location Platform Dashboard is a dashboard in the ArcGIS Location Platform website used to manage billing, view developer credentials, and monitor layers and data service usage. It can only be accessed with an ArcGIS Location Platform account.Learn more