Create an API key

An Application programming interface key (API key) is a permanent access token that defines the scope and permission for granting a public-facing application access to ready-to-use services.

In this tutorial, you create, configure, and scope an API key that can be used to access ArcGIS location services.

Prerequisites

You need an ArcGIS Developer account or ArcGIS Online account and an API key to access ArcGIS services. If you don't have an account, sign up for free.

Steps

Create an API key

The developer dashboard is the tool you use to create and manage API keys.

  1. Go to the API key page in your developer dashboard.

  2. On the left, click +New API Key and set the:

    • Title: TutorialsKey
    • Description: An API key to use for tutorials
  3. Click Create API key

Scope the API key

API keys can be scoped to access different services, service capabilities, and private content. Before using an API key, you need to set the proper scopes.

  1. In the Overview page of the API key, locate Location services at the bottom.

  2. In the Location services pane, click Configure services.

    Add scopes by checking the following service cards:

    • Geocoding (not stored)
    • Routing
    • Service areas
  3. Click the Configure service(s) button.

Copy the API key

  1. In the Overview page, click the copy icon so you can use the API key in your application.

You now have an API key that is scoped to access the location services in the tutorials.

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