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geo_distance

Distance in metres between two coordinates. Computed geodesically on the WGS84 ellipsoid, so it is the straight-line (as-the-crow-flies) distance, NOT a driving distance — use route or matrix for travel distance and time. Local computation: no network call, no quota.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
toYesEnd coordinate.
fromYesStart coordinate.

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
distance_mYesDistance in metres along the WGS84 ellipsoid.

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. Changed5 schema fields changed
    • addedInput schema / $defs / LatLon / anyOf
      Added value: +[
      +  {
      +    "properties": {
      +      "lat": {
      +        "description": "Latitude in decimal degrees (−90 to 90).",
      +        "format": "double",
      +        "type": "number"
      +      },
      +      "lon": {
      +        "description": "Longitude in decimal degrees (−180 to 180).",
      +        "format": "double",
      +        "type": "number"
      +      }
      +    },
      +    "required": [
      +      "lat",
      +      "lon"
      +    ],
      +    "type": "object"
      +  },
      +  {
      +    "description": "GeoJSON position [lon, lat]: longitude FIRST.",
      +    "items": {
      +      "format": "double",
      +      "type": "number"
      +    },
      +    "maxItems": 2,
      +    "minItems": 2,
      +    "type": "array"
      +  }
      +]
    • changedInput schema / $defs / LatLon / description
      Previous value: -"A WGS84 coordinate pair in decimal degrees."New value: +"A WGS84 coordinate in decimal degrees: a {lat, lon} object (preferred), or a GeoJSON [lon, lat] array with LONGITUDE FIRST, the same order as every polygon field on this server."
    • removedInput schema / $defs / LatLon / properties
      Removed value: -{
      -  "lat": {
      -    "description": "Latitude in decimal degrees (−90 to 90).",
      -    "format": "double",
      -    "type": "number"
      -  },
      -  "lon": {
      -    "description": "Longitude in decimal degrees (−180 to 180).",
      -    "format": "double",
      -    "type": "number"
      -  }
      -}
    • removedInput schema / $defs / LatLon / required
      Removed value: -[
      -  "lat",
      -  "lon"
      -]
    • removedInput schema / $defs / LatLon / type
      Removed value: -"object"
  2. First observed

TDQS

A4.7/5.0
Behavior5/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It goes beyond a plain function summary by stating that it computes on the WGS84 ellipsoid, is a local computation, makes no network call, and consumes no quota. This gives the agent trustworthy operational expectations.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is three sentences with no filler. The core result and unit are front-loaded, the critical distinction from driving distance follows immediately, and the local-computation note is valuable behavioral context rather than repetition.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

The description is complete for a two-parameter computational tool: it explains the algorithm, the unit, the coordinate system, the limitation, and the alternatives. The input schema is detailed, and an output schema exists, so return-value details are not required in the description.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 100%, and the schema already defines the two coordinate formats, including the GeoJSON [lon, lat] ordering. The description adds only the unit ('metres') and the general notion of 'two coordinates', which is minimally additive. The baseline of 3 is appropriate because the schema does the heavy lifting.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description uses a specific verb and resource: 'Distance in metres between two coordinates' and clearly identifies the computation as geodesic straight-line distance. It also distinguishes itself from route/matrix by explicitly stating what it is NOT, which differentiates it from the many geo_* siblings.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines5/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description explicitly tells the agent when not to use this tool ('NOT a driving distance') and names the alternatives ('use `route` or `matrix` for travel distance and time'). It also adds a practical usage signal by noting that computation is local, with no network call or quota.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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