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# Get started with LINZ Basemaps

The LINZ Basemaps API lets you build your own New Zealand-centric maps for mobile, web and GIS apps. This page describes our APIs and what you need to do to use them successfully.

## How to get started with LINZ Basemaps APIs

We've made getting started with LINZ Basemaps APIs easy.

1. Pick a LINZ Basemaps product.
2. Grab a map tile API url from the menu bar.
3. If you're a developer, email basemaps@linz.govt.nz for developer access
4. Find the Technical documentation and API documentation, legals and how to's that will help you get mapping successfully.

## Basics of our APIs

### What API access levels are available?

There are two access levels to our APIs, there is no charge for either access level.

Level | Description
--- | ---
Standard access | Standard access allows quick access to our Basemap APIs without needing to register. This access is best suited for use of our APIs in internal apps
Developer access | Developer access allows integration of our Basemap APIs into high volume public mapping platforms. Contact us to register for a site restricted API key

### What protocols are available?

We support three common standards for web mapping.

Protocol | Description
--- | ---
XYZ | Best suited for use in web and mobile mapping JavaScript clients
WMTS | Support for Open Geospatial Consortium Web Map Tile Services WMTS v1.0.0 for use in GIS apps
Vector tile map services | Support for StyleJSON version 8 for access to our styled web maps

### Important documentation

There are a few core concepts within our technical documentation that you should check out before you start mapping.

- Access levels
- Rate limiting
- Response codes
- Data attribution

### Stay informed

Contact us at basemaps@linz.govt.nz to get email notifications related to LINZ Basemaps APIs, including announcements of new services or planned changes to APIs.

If you have registered for a Developer API then you do not need to sign up as you will already be included on the list.

### Support hours

Monday to Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm Closed on public holidays