OpenStreetMap MCP Server
A powerful Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for OpenStreetMap, providing 30 tools for geocoding, routing, quality assurance, and data analysis. Optimized for AI assistants like Cursor and Claude.
A community project by Grab — providing open-source mapping tools to help developers and researchers work with OpenStreetMap data more effectively.
🎯 Quick Start
1️⃣ Installation
git clone https://github.com/GRABOSM/osm-mcp.git
cd osm-mcp
npm install
npm run build
2️⃣ Configure AI Integration
Cursor AI
- Open Cursor Settings → Features → Model Context Protocol.
- Add a new server with:
- Type:
command - Command:
node /absolute/path/to/osm-mcp/dist/index.js
- Type:
Cursor Desktop
Add this to your mcp.json:
{
"mcpServers": {
"osm-mcp": {
"command": "node",
"args": ["/absolute/path/to/osm-mcp/dist/index.js"]
}
}
}
Claude Desktop
Add this to your claude_desktop_config.json:
{
"mcpServers": {
"osm": {
"command": "node",
"args": ["/absolute/path/to/osm-mcp/dist/index.js"]
}
}
}
3️⃣ Start Using
Try asking your AI:
- "Find coffee shops in Makati, Manila"
- "Calculate a 15-minute driving isochrone from Grab HQ Singapore"
- "Get directions from Changi Airport to Marina Bay Sands"
🚀 Key Features
- Geocoding: Search addresses and landmarks globally.
- Routing (OSRM): Turn-by-turn directions, distance matrices, and route optimization.
- Smart POI: Find restaurants, shops, and attractions with intelligent tag detection.
- Quality Assurance (OSMOSE): Detect mapping errors and monitor data quality.
- Changeset Analysis: Analyze recent edits and user contributions.
- Tag Intelligence (Taginfo): Real-world tag usage statistics and validation.
- Dual Interface: Use via MCP (AI tools) or HTTP REST API.
🛠️ Tool Reference (30 Tools)
🗺️ Geocoding (4)
search_location: Search for places and addresses.reverse_geocode: Get address from coordinates.search_structured: Search by street, city, country, etc.get_place_details: Get full details of an OSM element.
📍 Points of Interest (3)
search_pois: General POI search (amenities, shops, etc.).search_pois_smart: Intelligent POI search with category detection.find_amenities_nearby: Locate facilities within a specific radius.
🛣️ Routing & Navigation (5)
get_osrm_route: Detailed turn-by-turn directions.get_distance_matrix: Travel times and distances between multiple points.optimize_route: Find the best route through multiple stops (TSP).map_match_gps: Snap GPS traces to the road network.calculate_isochrone: Area reachable within a time limit.
📊 OSM Data Analysis (6)
search_highways_smart: Smart search for roads and motorways.get_elements_in_bounds: Get all data within a bounding box.search_by_tags: Find elements by specific OSM tags.get_route_data: Extract road geometry for custom use.execute_overpass_query: Run advanced Overpass QL queries.snap_to_roads: Find the nearest road for any point.
🔄 Changeset Analysis (3)
get_changeset: Details of a specific mapping edit.search_changesets: Find edits by user, time, or location.get_changeset_diff: View exact changes made in an edit.
🔍 Quality Assurance (6)
osmose_search_issues: Find data errors with filters.osmose_get_issue_details: Details of a specific quality issue.osmose_get_issues_by_country: Quality issues by nation.osmose_get_issues_by_user: Issues related to a specific user.osmose_get_stats: Data quality metrics and charts.osmose_get_items: List of detectable issue categories.
🏷️ Tag Intelligence (3)
get_tag_suggestions: Autocomplete for OSM tags.get_tag_stats: Usage statistics for any tag.validate_osm_tag: Check if a tag combination is proper.
💡 Example Usage
Navigation
"Get directions from KL Sentral to Petronas Twin Towers"
Urban Planning
"Calculate 30-minute driving isochrone from Grab HQ Singapore"
Quality Monitoring
"Analyze recent mapping activity in Bengaluru"
🌐 HTTP API Mode
Run as a standalone server:
npm run dev:http
Access docs at: http://localhost:8888/api/info
🛠️ Troubleshooting
- Absolute Paths: Always use full paths in AI tool configurations.
- Build First: Ensure you run
npm run buildafter any changes. - Node Version: Use Node.js v18 or higher.
📄 License
This project is licensed under the MIT License.
🙏 Credits
- OpenStreetMap Contributors
- OSRM, Nominatim, Overpass, OSMOSE, Taginfo communities.