topic Re: Is it possible to use .NET Maps SDK without an API key? in .NET Maps SDK Questions

Is it possible to use .NET Maps SDK without an API key?

TaroShibata — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 09:10:17 GMT

Hi, I’m new to the .NET Maps SDK

I followed a tutorial,and it requires an API key to run the code.

My app only loads and converts shapefiles.

Do I still need an API key to run it?

Re: Is it possible to use .NET Maps SDK without an API key?

dotMorten_esri — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 14:46:42 GMT

The API Key is only needed to access arcgis online services (like for example the default basemap styles). If you don't use these, you don't need an API key.
You will need a license key though, but a free lite-license is available which might or might not be enough for your scenario. See License and deployment | ArcGIS Maps SDK for .NET | Esri Developer for more info on that

Re: Is it possible to use .NET Maps SDK without an API key?

Nicholas-Furness — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 16:55:39 GMT

Just to build on @dotMorten_esri's answer: In order to open and read shapefiles, you will need a Standard level deployment license or higher (see the table in the License level and capabilities page).

You can get a Standard license either through a license string as Morten mentioned (you'll need to purchase a Deployment License Pack from Esri or your local distributor if not in the US) or you can use an ArcGIS account of appropriate user type. See this page to learn more about which ArcGIS accounts enable which license levels (but to summarize Creator, Professional, or Professional Plus user types would grant you Standard or above).

Note: you don't need a license for development and testing (simply don't apply a license and all capabilities will be enabled) but you must license your app before deploying to production.