azure-maps-search-dotnet — Claude Code skill: features and setup
This skill guides .NET work with Azure Maps, from address lookup to routes and map data. Use it when adding location features to a .NET application.
npx skills add microsoft/skills --skill azure-maps-search-dotnet -a claude-codeWhat azure-maps-search-dotnet does
The skill covers Azure Maps clients for .NET. MapsSearchClient can turn addresses into coordinates or look up addresses from coordinates. The SDK also includes clients for routing, map rendering, IP geolocation, and weather data.
The guide gives NuGet install commands and shows authentication with a subscription key, Microsoft Entra credentials, or a SAS token. The Entra example requires AZURE_MAPS_CLIENT_ID; the demonstrated credential setup uses Azure.Identity. SDK package commands include --prerelease, so those packages are in prerelease versions.
What it helps with
- convert a street address into coordinates
- look up an address from coordinates
- request route directions or a route matrix
- fetch map tiles or a static map image
- get a country or region from an IP address
Example prompts for the agent
- Show me how to get coordinates for an address with
MapsSearchClientin my .NET app. - Add reverse geocoding so the app can find an address from coordinates.
- Explain how to request route directions with the Azure Maps SDK for .NET.
How to install azure-maps-search-dotnet
1Skills CLI (Vercel)
npx skills add microsoft/skills --skill azure-maps-search-dotnet -a claude-code2Manually: put the files in place
~/.claude/skills/azure-maps-search-dotnet/SKILL.mdCopy the whole skill folder; for one project use .claude/skills/azure-maps-search-dotnet/
Manually: put the files in place
.agents/skills/azure-maps-search-dotnet/SKILL.mdFor all projects use ~/.agents/skills/
Manually: put the files in place
.cursor/skills/azure-maps-search-dotnet/SKILL.mdCursor also reads .agents/skills/ and .claude/skills/
1GitHub CLI
gh skill install microsoft/skills azure-maps-search-dotnet2Manually: put the files in place
.github/skills/azure-maps-search-dotnet/SKILL.mdPlatform CLI
gemini skills install https://github.com/microsoft/skills --path .github/plugins/azure-sdk-dotnet/skills/azure-maps-search-dotnetManually: put the files in place
.devin/skills/azure-maps-search-dotnet/SKILL.mdThe legacy .windsurf/skills/ path still works
Claude.ai
Zip the folder and upload it in Settings → Capabilities → Skills
Step by step, with commands for each platform: How to install skills in Claude Code: five ways
Questions about azure-maps-search-dotnet
How do I install azure-maps-search-dotnet in Claude Code?
Run npx skills add microsoft/skills --skill azure-maps-search-dotnet -a claude-code. The skill file is at ~/.claude/skills/azure-maps-search-dotnet/SKILL.md.
What does azure-maps-search-dotnet do?
It helps use the Azure Maps SDK for .NET for geocoding, routes, map data, and IP-based geolocation. The SDK also includes a weather client.
What authentication options does the Azure Maps .NET guide cover?
It shows subscription-key, Microsoft Entra, and SAS-token authentication. The Entra example requires AZURE_MAPS_CLIENT_ID.
Source text
SKILL.md · MIT
---
name: azure-maps-search-dotnet
description: |
Azure Maps SDK for .NET. Location-based services including geocoding, routing, rendering, geolocation, and weather. Use for address search, directions, map tiles, IP geolocation, and weather data. Triggers: "Azure Maps", "MapsSearchClient", "MapsRoutingClient", "MapsRenderingClient", "geocoding .NET", "route directions", "map tiles", "geolocation".
license: MIT
metadata:
author: Microsoft
version: "1.0.0"
package: Azure.Maps.Search
---
# Azure Maps (.NET)
Azure Maps SDK for .NET providing location-based services: geocoding, routing, rendering, geolocation, and weather.
## Installation
```bash
# Search (geocoding, reverse geocoding)
dotnet add package Azure.Maps.Search --prerelease
# Routing (directions, route matrix)
dotnet add package Azure.Maps.Routing --prerelease
# Rendering (map tiles, static images)
dotnet add package Azure.Maps.Rendering --prerelease
# Geolocation (IP to location)
dotnet add package Azure.Maps.Geolocation --prerelease
# Weather
dotnet add package Azure.Maps.Weather --prerelease
# Resource Management (account management, SAS tokens)
dotnet add package Azure.ResourceManager.Maps --prerelease
# Required for authentication
dotnet add package Azure.Identity
```
**Current Versions**:
- `Azure.Maps.Search`: v2.0.0-beta.5
- `Azure.Maps.Routing`: v1.0.0-beta.4
- `Azure.Maps.Rendering`: v2.0.0-beta.1
- `Azure.Maps.Geolocation`: v1.0.0-beta.3
- `Azure.ResourceManager.Maps`: v1.1.0-beta.2
## Environment Variables
```bash
AZURE_MAPS_SUBSCRIPTION_KEY=<your-subscription-key> # Only required for AzureKeyCredential auth
AZURE_MAPS_CLIENT_ID=<your-client-id> # Required: Azure Maps client ID
AZURE_TOKEN_CREDENTIALS=prod # Required only if DefaultAzureCredential is used in production
```
## Authentication
### Subscription Key (Shared Key)
```csharp
using Azure;
using Azure.Maps.Search;
var subscriptionKey = Environment.GetEnvironmentVariable("AZURE_MAPS_SUBSCRIPTION_KEY");
var credential = new AzureKeyCredential(subscriptionKey);
var client = new MapsSearchClient(credential);
```
### Microsoft Entra Token Credential
```csharp
using Azure.Identity;
using Azure.Maps.Search;
// Local dev: DefaultAzureCredential. Production: set AZURE_TOKEN_CREDENTIALS=prod or AZURE_TOKEN_CREDENTIALS=<specific_credential>
var credential = new DefaultAzureCredential(
DefaultAzureCredential.DefaultEnvironmentVariableName
);
// Or use a specific credential directly in production:
// See https://learn.microsoft.com/dotnet/api/overview/azure/identity-readme?view=azure-dotnet#credential-classes
// var credential = new ManagedIdentityCredential();
var clientId = Environment.GetEnvironmentVariable("AZURE_MAPS_CLIENT_ID");
var client = new MapsSearchClient(credential, clientId);
```
### Shared Access Signature (SAS)
```csharp
using Azure;
using Azure.Core;
using Azure.Identity;
using Azure.ResourceManager;
using Azure.ResourceManager.Maps;
using Azure.ResourceManager.Maps.Models;
using Azure.Maps.Search;
// Authenticate with Azure Resource Manager
ArmClient armClient = new ArmClient(new DefaultAzureCredential());
// Get Maps account resource
ResourceIdentifier mapsAccountResourceId = MapsAccountResource.CreateResourceIdentifier(
subscriptionId, resourceGroupName, accountName);
MapsAccountResource mapsAccount = armClient.GetMapsAccountResource(mapsAccountResourceId);
// Generate SAS token
MapsAccountSasContent sasContent = new MapsAccountSasContent(
MapsSigningKey.PrimaryKey,
principalId,
maxRatePerSecond: 500,
start: DateTime.UtcNow.ToString("O"),
expiry: DateTime.UtcNow.AddDays(1).ToString("O"));
Response<MapsAccountSasToken> sas = mapsAccount.GetSas(sasContent);
// Create client with SAS token
var sasCredential = new AzureSasCredential(sas.Value.AccountSasToken);
var client = new MapsSearchClient(sasCredential);
```
## Client Hierarchy
```
Azure.Maps.Search
└── MapsSearchClient
├── GetGeocoding() → Geocode addresses
├── GetGeocodingBatch() → Batch geocoding
├── GetReverseGeocoding() → Coordinates to address
├── GetReverseGeocodingBatch() → Batch reverse geocoding
└── GetPolygon() → Get boundary polygons
Azure.Maps.Routing
└── MapsRoutingClient
├── GetDirections() → Route directions
├── GetImmediateRouteMatrix() → Route matrix (sync, ≤100)
├── GetRouteMatrix() → Route matrix (async, ≤700)
└── GetRouteRange() → Isochrone/reachable range
Azure.Maps.Rendering
└── MapsRenderingClient
├── GetMapTile() → Map tiles
├── GetMapStaticImage() → Static map images
└── GetCopyrightCaption() → Copyright info
Azure.Maps.Geolocation
└── MapsGeolocationClient
└── GetCountryCode() → IP to country/region
Azure.Maps.Weather
└── MapsWeatherClient
├── GetCurrentWeatherConditions() → Current weather
├── GetDailyForecast() → Daily forecast
├── GetHourlyForecast() → Hourly forecast
└── GetSevereWeatherAlerts() → Weather alerts
```
## Core Workflows
### 1. Geocoding (Address to Coordinates)
```csharp
using Azure;
using Azure.Maps.Search;
var credential = new AzureKeyCredential(subscriptionKey);
var client = new MapsSearchClient(credential);
Response<GeocodingResponse> result = client.GetGeocoding("1 Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052");
foreach (var feature in result.Value.Features)
{
Console.WriteLine($"Coordinates: {string.Join(",", feature.Geometry.Coordinates)}");
Console.WriteLine($"Address: {feature.Properties.Address.FormattedAddress}");
Console.WriteLine($"Confidence: {feature.Properties.Confidence}");
}
```
### 2. Batch Geocoding
```csharp
using Azure.Maps.Search.Models.Queries;
List<GeocodingQuery> queries = new List<GeocodingQuery>
{
new GeocodingQuery() { Query = "400 Broad St, Seattle, WA" },
new GeocodingQuery() { Query = "1 Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA" },
new GeocodingQuery() { AddressLine = "Space Needle", Top = 1 },
};
Response<GeocodingBatchResponse> results = client.GetGeocodingBatch(queries);
foreach (var batchItem in results.Value.BatchItems)
{
foreach (var feature in batchItem.Features)
{
Console.WriteLine($"Coordinates: {string.Join(",", feature.Geometry.Coordinates)}");
}
}
```
### 3. Reverse Geocoding (Coordinates to Address)
```csharp
using Azure.Core.GeoJson;
GeoPosition coordinates = new GeoPosition(-122.138685, 47.6305637);
Response<GeocodingResponse> result = client.GetReverseGeocoding(coordinates);
foreach (var feature in result.Value.Features)
{
Console.WriteLine($"Address: {feature.Properties.Address.FormattedAddress}");
Console.WriteLine($"Locality: {feature.Properties.Address.Locality}");
}
```
### 4. Get Boundary Polygon
```csharp
using Azure.Maps.Search.Models;
GetPolygonOptions options = new GetPolygonOptions()
{
Coordinates = new GeoPosition(-122.204141, 47.61256),
ResultType = BoundaryResultTypeEnum.Locality,
Resolution = ResolutionEnum.Small,
};
Response<Boundary> result = client.GetPolygon(options);
Console.WriteLine($"Boundary copyright: {result.Value.Properties?.Copyright}");
Console.WriteLine($"Polygon count: {result.Value.Geometry.Count}");
```
### 5. Route Directions
```csharp
using Azure;
using Azure.Core.GeoJson;
using Azure.Maps.Routing;
using Azure.Maps.Routing.Models;
var client = new MapsRoutingClient(new AzureKeyCredential(subscriptionKey));
List<GeoPosition> routePoints = new List<GeoPosition>()
{
new GeoPosition(-122.34, 47.61), // Seattle
new GeoPosition(-122.13, 47.64) // Redmond
};
RouteDirectionQuery query = new RouteDirectionQuery(routePoints);
Response<RouteDirections> result = client.GetDirections(query);
foreach (var route in result.Value.Routes)
{
Console.WriteLine($"Distance: {route.Summary.LengthInMeters} meters");
Console.WriteLine($"Duration: {route.Summary.TravelTimeDuration}");
foreach (RouteLeg leg in route.Legs)
{
Console.WriteLine($"Leg points: {leg.Points.Count}");
}
}
```
### 6. Route Directions with Options
```csharp
RouteDirectionOptions options = new RouteDirectionOptions()
{
RouteType = RouteType.Fastest,
UseTrafficData = true,
TravelMode = TravelMode.Bicycle,
Language = RoutingLanguage.EnglishUsa,
InstructionsType = RouteInstructionsType.Text,
};
RouteDirectionQuery query = new RouteDirectionQuery(routePoints)
{
RouteDirectionOptions = options
};
Response<RouteDirections> result = client.GetDirections(query);
```
### 7. Route Matrix
```csharp
RouteMatrixQuery routeMatrixQuery = new RouteMatrixQuery
{
Origins = new List<GeoPosition>()
{
new GeoPosition(-122.34, 47.61),
new GeoPosition(-122.13, 47.64)
},
Destinations = new List<GeoPosition>()
{
new GeoPosition(-122.20, 47.62),
new GeoPosition(-122.40, 47.65)
},
};
// Synchronous (up to 100 route combinations)
Response<RouteMatrixResult> result = client.GetImmediateRouteMatrix(routeMatrixQuery);
foreach (var cell in result.Value.Matrix.SelectMany(row => row))
{
Console.WriteLine($"Distance: {cell.Response?.RouteSummary?.LengthInMeters}");
Console.WriteLine($"Duration: {cell.Response?.RouteSummary?.TravelTimeDuration}");
}
// Asynchronous (up to 700 route combinations)
RouteMatrixOptions routeMatrixOptions = new RouteMatrixOptions(routeMatrixQuery)
{
TravelTimeType = TravelTimeType.All,
};
GetRouteMatrixOperation asyncResult = client.GetRouteMatrix(WaitUntil.Completed, routeMatrixOptions);
```
### 8. Route Range (Isochrone)
```csharp
RouteRangeOptions options = new RouteRangeOptions(-122.34, 47.61)
{
TimeBudget = new TimeSpan(0, 20, 0) // 20 minutes
};
Response<RouteRangeResult> result = client.GetRouteRange(options);
// result.Value.ReachableRange contains the polygon
Console.WriteLine($"Boundary points: {result.Value.ReachableRange.Boundary.Count}");
```
### 9. Get Map Tiles
```csharp
using Azure;
using Azure.Maps.Rendering;
var client = new MapsRenderingClient(new AzureKeyCredential(subscriptionKey));
int zoom = 10;
int tileSize = 256;
// Convert coordinates to tile index
MapTileIndex tileIndex = MapsRenderingClient.PositionToTileXY(
new GeoPosition(13.3854, 52.517), zoom, tileSize);
// Fetch map tile
GetMapTileOptions options = new GetMapTileOptions(
MapTileSetId.MicrosoftImagery,
new MapTileIndex(tileIndex.X, tileIndex.Y, zoom)
);
Response<Stream> mapTile = client.GetMapTile(options);
// Save to file
using (FileStream fileStream = File.Create("./MapTile.png"))
{
mapTile.Value.CopyTo(fileStream);
}
```
### 10. IP Geolocation
```csharp
using System.Net;
using Azure;
using Azure.Maps.Geolocation;
var client = new MapsGeolocationClient(new AzureKeyCredential(subscriptionKey));
IPAddress ipAddress = IPAddress.Parse("2001:4898:80e8:b::189");
Response<CountryRegionResult> result = client.GetCountryCode(ipAddress);
Console.WriteLine($"Country ISO Code: {result.Value.IsoCode}");
```
### 11. Current Weather
```csharp
using Azure;
using Azure.Core.GeoJson;
using Azure.Maps.Weather;
var client = new MapsWeatherClient(new AzureKeyCredential(subscriptionKey));
var position = new GeoPosition(-122.13071, 47.64011);
var options = new GetCurrentWeatherConditionsOptions(position);
Response<CurrentConditionsResult> result = client.GetCurrentWeatherConditions(options);
foreach (var condition in result.Value.Results)
{
Console.WriteLine($"Temperature: {condition.Temperature.Value} {condition.Temperature.Unit}");
Console.WriteLine($"Weather: {condition.Phrase}");
Console.WriteLine($"Humidity: {condition.RelativeHumidity}%");
}
```
## Key Types Reference
### Search Package
| Type | Purpose |
|------|---------|
| `MapsSearchClient` | Main client for search operations |
| `GeocodingResponse` | Geocoding result |
| `GeocodingBatchResponse` | Batch geocoding result |
| `GeocodingQuery` | Query for batch geocoding |
| `ReverseGeocodingQuery` | Query for batch reverse geocoding |
| `GetPolygonOptions` | Options for polygon retrieval |
| `Boundary` | Boundary polygon result |
| `BoundaryResultTypeEnum` | Boundary type (Locality, AdminDistrict, etc.) |
| `ResolutionEnum` | Polygon resolution (Small, Medium, Large) |
### Routing Package
| Type | Purpose |
|------|---------|
| `MapsRoutingClient` | Main client for routing operations |
| `RouteDirectionQuery` | Query for route directions |
| `RouteDirectionOptions` | Route calculation options |
| `RouteDirections` | Route directions result |
| `RouteLeg` | Segment of a route |
| `RouteMatrixQuery` | Query for route matrix |
| `RouteMatrixResult` | Route matrix result |
| `RouteRangeOptions` | Options for isochrone |
| `RouteRangeResult` | Isochrone result |
| `RouteType` | Route type (Fastest, Shortest, Eco, Thrilling) |
| `TravelMode` | Travel mode (Car, Truck, Bicycle, Pedestrian) |
### Rendering Package
| Type | Purpose |
|------|---------|
| `MapsRenderingClient` | Main client for rendering |
| `GetMapTileOptions` | Map tile options |
| `MapTileIndex` | Tile coordinates (X, Y, Zoom) |
| `MapTileSetId` | Tile set identifier |
### Common Types
| Type | Purpose |
|------|---------|
| `GeoPosition` | Geographic position (longitude, latitude) |
| `GeoBoundingBox` | Bounding box for geographic area |
## Best Practices
1. **Use Entra ID for production** — Prefer over subscription keys
2. **Batch operations** — Use batch geocoding for multiple addresses
3. **Cache results** — Geocoding results don't change frequently
4. **Use appropriate tile sizes** — 256 or 512 pixels based on display
5. **Handle rate limits** — Implement exponential backoff
6. **Use async route matrix** — For large matrix calculations (>100)
7. **Consider traffic data** — Set `UseTrafficData = true` for accurate ETAs
## Error Handling
```csharp
try
{
Response<GeocodingResponse> result = client.GetGeocoding(address);
}
catch (RequestFailedException ex)
{
Console.WriteLine($"Status: {ex.Status}");
Console.WriteLine($"Error: {ex.Message}");
switch (ex.Status)
{
case 400:
// Invalid request parameters
break;
case 401:
// Authentication failed
break;
case 429:
// Rate limited - implement backoff
break;
}
}
```
## Related SDKs
| SDK | Purpose | Install |
|-----|---------|---------|
| `Azure.Maps.Search` | Geocoding, search | `dotnet add package Azure.Maps.Search --prerelease` |
| `Azure.Maps.Routing` | Directions, matrix | `dotnet add package Azure.Maps.Routing --prerelease` |
| `Azure.Maps.Rendering` | Map tiles, images | `dotnet add package Azure.Maps.Rendering --prerelease` |
| `Azure.Maps.Geolocation` | IP geolocation | `dotnet add package Azure.Maps.Geolocation --prerelease` |
| `Azure.Maps.Weather` | Weather data | `dotnet add package Azure.Maps.Weather --prerelease` |
| `Azure.ResourceManager.Maps` | Account management | `dotnet add package Azure.ResourceManager.Maps --prerelease` |
## Reference Links
| Resource | URL |
|----------|-----|
| Azure Maps Documentation | https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/azure-maps/ |
| Search API Reference | https://learn.microsoft.com/dotnet/api/azure.maps.search |
| Routing API Reference | https://learn.microsoft.com/dotnet/api/azure.maps.routing |
| GitHub Source | https://github.com/Azure/azure-sdk-for-net/tree/main/sdk/maps |
| Pricing | https://azure.microsoft.com/pricing/details/azure-maps/ |
© Microsoft · MIT · microsoft/skills