Skip to main content

Authentication Profiles

Authentication Profiles define how map services (ArcGIS, Azure Maps, Maptaskr tiles) are authorized and accessed within your Maptaskr Power Maps implementation. These profiles handle the secure connection between your application and external map service providers.

What Authentication Profiles Do

Authentication profiles manage several critical aspects of service integration:

  • Credential Storage: Securely store API keys, client secrets, and authentication tokens
  • Token Management: Automatically handle token exchange, refresh cycles, and expiration
  • Request Configuration: Define headers, URL parameters, and request formatting
  • Service Access: Control which endpoints and features your application can access
  • Security Enforcement: Implement proper authentication flows for different service types

When you install a provider, default profiles are auto-generated so you can begin testing immediately. These can be customized with your own credentials for production use.

Understanding the Interface

Authentication profiles are configured using a two-tab interface:

  • Auth Details Tab: Configure basic authentication (API keys, headers, URL parameters)
  • Auth Request Details Tab: Configure OAuth flows and advanced authentication

ArcGIS profiles are grouped into Enterprise (on-premises/self-hosted) and Online (hosted SaaS). Azure and Maptaskr ship with simplified key/tile profiles respectively.

Obtaining Credentials
  • ArcGIS credentials: Get your API Key and Client ID/Secret from ArcGIS Developers
  • Azure credentials: Obtain your subscription key from Azure Portal

Default Profiles by Provider

When all providers are installed, you'll see these built-in profiles that can be customized:

ProviderProfile NameConfiguration MethodBest For
ArcGIS OnlineAPI KeyAuth Details → URL ParametersPublic services, quick setup
ArcGIS OnlineClient ID/SecretAuth Request Details → OAuthSecure server-to-server
ArcGIS OnlineUsername/PasswordAuth Request Details → InteractiveUser-scoped content
ArcGIS EnterpriseClient ID/SecretAuth Request Details → OAuthPrivate on-premises services
ArcGIS EnterpriseUsername/PasswordAuth Request Details → SessionLegacy or admin access
Azure MapsAzure MapAuth Details → URL ParametersAll Azure Maps services
Maptaskr Tile AuthMaptaskr TileInternalno config needed
Maptaskr AI AuthMaptaskr AIInternalno config needed

Configuration Guide by Authentication Type

Simple API Key Authentication

Use the Auth Details tab for straightforward API key authentication:

For URL Parameters (most common):

  1. Navigate to Auth Details tab

  2. Click Add Parameter

  3. Configure the parameter:

    • Name: token (ArcGIS) or subscription-key (Azure)
    • Value: Your actual API key
  4. Click Save

For Header-based APIs:

  1. Navigate to Auth Details tab

  2. Click Add Header

  3. Configure the header:

    • Name: X-API-Key or Authorization
    • Value: Your API key or Bearer your_token
  4. Click Save

OAuth Client Credentials

Use the Auth Request Details tab for OAuth authentication:

  1. Navigate to Auth Request Details tab

  2. Check Has Auth Request

  3. Configure the OAuth settings:

    • Auth Request URL: Your OAuth token endpoint
    • Method: Usually POST
    • Auth Request Headers: Content-Type, etc.
    • Auth Request Body: Client credentials
    • Token needs refreshing every: Set refresh interval
  4. Check Can be used offline if needed

  5. Click Save

OAuth Token Management

The platform automatically handles token refresh and injection. Don't manually modify token parameters in your requests.

Interactive Username/Password

For services requiring user authentication:

  1. Navigate to Auth Request Details tab

  2. Check Has Auth Request

  3. Configure authentication endpoint

  4. Use Test Provider to capture credentials securely

  5. Credentials are not stored - captured interactively when needed

Security Best Practice

Avoid storing named user credentials long-term. Migrate to client credential flows where license terms permit.

Common Configuration Examples

ArcGIS Online with API Key

Configuration: Auth Details → Additional URL Parameters

Parameter Name: token
Parameter Value: your_arcgis_api_key

Azure Maps

Configuration: Auth Details → Additional URL Parameters

Parameter Name: subscription-key
Parameter Value: your_azure_subscription_key

Custom API with Header Authentication

Configuration: Auth Details → Additional Request Headers

Header Name: X-API-Key
Header Value: your_custom_api_key

ArcGIS Enterprise OAuth

Configuration: Auth Request Details

  • Has Auth Request: Checked
  • Auth Request URL: https://your-portal.com/portal/sharing/rest/oauth2/token
  • Method: POST
  • Auth Request Body: Client ID and Secret configuration
  • Token refresh interval: 60 minutes

Profile Management

Creating New Profiles

  1. Navigate to Configuration → Auth Manager → Advanced

  2. Click "Add New Profile"

  3. Enter a descriptive profile name

  4. Configure authentication using the appropriate tab

  5. Save your changes


Security Best Practices

AreaRecommendationImplementation
Credential ScopeUse keys scoped only to required servicesReview API key permissions in provider portals
Regular RotationRotate secrets/keys every 90 daysSet calendar reminders for key rotation
Environment SeparationUse different credentials for dev/staging/prodCreate separate profiles for each environment
MonitoringTrack failed authentication attemptsReview logs for unusual authentication patterns
OAuth PreferenceUse OAuth over username/password where possibleMigrate legacy username/password profiles
Secure StorageNever store secrets in notes or unrelated fieldsUse only designated credential fields

Common Validation Errors

When configuring profiles, you may encounter these validation messages:

Error MessageCauseSolution
"Key and value pairs cannot be empty"Empty header or parameter fieldsFill in both Name and Value, or delete the row
"Auth Request URL is required""Has Auth Request" checked but no URLEnter the OAuth endpoint URL or uncheck the option
"Auth Profile Name" requiredMissing profile nameEnter a descriptive profile name

Troubleshooting Authentication Issues

ProblemLikely CauseResolution
401 Unauthorized errorsExpired or invalid credentialsRotate keys in provider portal and update profile
Services intermittently failNetwork timeouts or rate limitsCheck network connectivity and API usage limits
Username prompt appears repeatedlySession not persistingEnable pop-ups in browser or switch to Client ID/Secret

Summary

Well-configured authentication profiles ensure stable, secure, and performant map service integration across all environments. Key takeaways:

  • Use the correct tab: Auth Details for simple keys, Auth Request Details for OAuth
  • Separate environments: Create dedicated profiles for dev, staging, and production
  • Monitor and rotate: Regularly update credentials and monitor for issues
  • Follow security best practices: Use least-privilege access and OAuth where possible