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Server Details

The Google Maps MCP server is a fully-managed server provided by the Maps Grounding Lite API that connects AI applications to Google Maps Platform services. It provides three main tools for building LLM applications: searching for places, looking up weather information, and computing routes with details like distance and travel time. The server acts as a proxy that translates Google Maps data into a format that AI applications can understand, enabling agents to accurately answer real-world location and travel queries.

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Healthy
Last Tested
Transport
Streamable HTTP
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Tool DescriptionsA

Average 4.6/5 across 5 of 5 tools scored.

Server CoherenceA
Disambiguation5/5

Each tool has a unique, clearly defined purpose: routing, weather, URL resolution, name resolution, and search. No overlap in functionality.

Naming Consistency5/5

All tools use a consistent verb_noun pattern (compute_routes, lookup_weather, resolve_maps_urls, resolve_names, search_places) with snake_case throughout.

Tool Count5/5

Five tools is an appropriate and compact set for a maps service, covering core functionalities without unnecessary bloat.

Completeness4/5

Covers routing, weather, place search, and resolution of URLs/names. Missing reverse geocoding or detailed place info retrieval (though search_places partially fills this gap).

Available Tools

5 tools
compute_routesA
Read-only
Inspect

Computes a travel route between a specified origin and destination. Supported Travel Modes: DRIVE (default), WALK.

Input Requirements (CRITICAL): Requires both origin and destination. Each must be provided using one of the following methods, nested within its respective field:

  • address: (string, e.g., 'Eiffel Tower, Paris'). Note: The more granular or specific the input address is, the better the results will be.

  • lat_lng: (object, {"latitude": number, "longitude": number})

  • place_id: (string, e.g., 'ChIJOwE_Id1w5EAR4Q27FkL6T_0') Note: This id can be obtained from the search_places tool. Any combination of input types is allowed (e.g., origin by address, destination by lat_lng). If either the origin or destination is missing, you MUST ask the user for clarification before attempting to call the tool.

Example Tool Call: {"origin":{"address":"Eiffel Tower"},"destination":{"place_id":"ChIJt_5xIthw5EARoJ71mGq7t74"},"travel_mode":"DRIVE"}

  • The grounded output must be attributed to the source using the information from the attribution field when available.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
originYesRequired. Origin waypoint.
travelModeNoOptional. Specifies the mode of transportation.
destinationYesRequired. Destination waypoint.

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
routesNoContains routes between the requested origin and destination. Currently only one route is returned.
Behavior4/5

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

Supplements readOnlyHint=true by disclosing default values (DRIVE), result quality factors (granular addresses yield better results), and validation requirements (mandatory user clarification). Does not repeat the WALK beta warning visible in schema enums but adds integration context with sibling tools.

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

Conciseness4/5

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

Structured with bold headers and bullet points for scannability. Front-loaded purpose followed by critical constraints. Length is justified by the complexity of polymorphic inputs, though some redundancy exists with schema definitions.

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?

Given the complex nested input schema and presence of an output schema (not shown), the description is complete. It covers travel modes, input validation, prerequisite tools, and result quality expectations without needing to describe return values.

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

Parameters5/5

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

Despite 100% schema coverage, adds crucial semantic context: explains the polymorphic 'one of' input pattern for waypoints (address vs lat_lng vs place_id), provides concrete examples for each type, and includes a full JSON example demonstrating nested structure. Clarifies that parameters are mutually exclusive within each waypoint object.

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 opens with a specific action (Computes) and resource (travel route) bounded by origin/destination. It clearly distinguishes scope from siblings by referencing search_places as the source for place_id inputs, implying this tool consumes location data while search_plplaces produces it.

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

Usage Guidelines4/5

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

Provides explicit when-not guidance ('If either...missing, you MUST ask the user for clarification') and identifies a prerequisite workflow (obtain place_id from search_places). Lacks explicit contrast with lookup_weather, though the distinction is intuitive.

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

lookup_weatherA
Read-only
Inspect

Retrieves comprehensive weather data including current conditions, hourly, and daily forecasts.

Specific Data Available: Temperature (Current, Feels Like, Max/Min, Heat Index), Wind (Speed, Gusts, Direction), Celestial Events (Sunrise/Sunset, Moon Phase), Precipitation (Type, Probability, Quantity/QPF), Atmospheric Conditions (UV Index, Humidity, Cloud Cover, Thunderstorm Probability), and Geocoded Location Address.

Location & Location Rules (CRITICAL):

The location for which weather data is requested is specified using the location field. This field is a 'oneof' structure, meaning you MUST provide a value for ONLY ONE of the three location sub-fields below to ensure an accurate weather data lookup.

  1. Geographic Coordinates (lat_lng)

    • Use it when you are provided with exact lat/lng coordinates.

    • Example: {"location": {"lat_lng": {"latitude": 34.0522, "longitude": -118.2437}}} // Los Angeles

  2. Place ID (place_id)

    • An unambiguous string identifier (Google Maps Place ID).

    • The place_id can be fetched from the search_places tool.

    • Example: {"location": {"place_id": "ChIJLU7jZClu5kcR4PcOOO6p3I0"}} // Eiffel Tower

  3. Address String (address)

    • A free-form string that requires specificity for geocoding.

    • City & Region: Always include region/country (e.g., "London, UK", not "London").

    • Street Address: Provide the full address (e.g., "1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC").

    • Postal/Zip Codes: MUST be accompanied by a country name (e.g., "90210, USA", NOT "90210").

    • Example: {"location": {"address": "1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC"}}

Usage Modes:

  • Current Weather: Provide location only. Do not specify date and hour.

  • Hourly Forecast: Provide location, date, and hour (0-23). Use for specific times (e.g., "at 5 PM") or terms like "next few hours" or "later today". If the user specifies minute, round down to the nearest hour. Hourly forecast beyond 120 hours from now is not supported. Historical hourly weather is supported up to 24 hours in the past.

  • Daily Forecast: Provide location and date. Do not specify hour. Use for general day requests (e.g., "weather for tomorrow", "weather on Friday", "weather on 12/25"). If today's date is not in the context, you should clarify it with the user. Daily forecast beyond 10 days including today is not supported. Historical weather is not supported.

Parameter Constraints:

  • Timezones: All date and hour inputs must be relative to the location's local time zone, not the user's time zone.

  • Date Format: Inputs must be separated into {year, month, day} integers.

  • Units: Defaults to METRIC. Set units_system to IMPERIAL for Fahrenheit/Miles if the user implies US standards or explicitly requests it.

  • The grounded output must be attributed to the source using the information from the attribution field when available.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
dateNoOptional. The date of the required weather information. Note: This date is relative to the local timezone of the location specified in the location field. The date must be between 24 hours in the past and the next 10 days.
hourNoOptional. The hour of the requested weather information, in 24-hour format (0-23). This value is relative to the local timezone of the location specified in the location field. Hourly forecast beyond 120 hours from now is not supported. Historical hourly weather is supported up to 24 hours in the past.
locationYesRequired. The location to get the weather conditions for.
unitsSystemNoOptional. The units system to use for the returned weather conditions. If not provided, the returned weather conditions will be in the metric system (default = METRIC).

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
windNoThe wind conditions
uvIndexNoThe maximum ultraviolet (UV) index. define optional because it is not always available
heatIndexNoThe hourly heat index temperature.
sunEventsNoThe events related to the sun (e.g. sunrise, sunset).
cloudCoverNoThe percentage of the sky covered by clouds (values from 0 to 100). define optional because it is not always available
moonEventsNoThe events related to the moon (e.g. moonrise, moonset).
airPressureNoThe hourly air pressure conditions.
attributionNoRequired attribution to show with the weather.
temperatureNoThe hourly temperature
maxHeatIndexNoThe maximum heat index temperature throughout the day.
precipitationNoThe precipitation probability and amount of precipitation accumulated
maxTemperatureNoThe maximum (high) temperature throughout the day.
minTemperatureNoThe minimum (low) temperature throughout the day.
relativeHumidityNoThe percent of relative humidity (values from 0 to 100). define optional because it is not always available
returnedLocationNoRequired. The location where the weather information is returned. This location is identical to the location in the request, but can be different from it if the requested location is a free text address that looks up to a coarse location (e.g. "Mountain View, CA").
weatherConditionNoThe weather condition
feelsLikeTemperatureNoThe hourly measure of how the temperature feels like.
feelsLikeMaxTemperatureNoThe maximum (high) feels-like temperature throughout the day.
feelsLikeMinTemperatureNoThe minimum (low) feels-like temperature throughout the day.
thunderstormProbabilityNoThe thunderstorm probability (values from 0 to 100). define optional because it is not always available
Behavior4/5

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

While annotations declare readOnlyHint=true, the description adds valuable behavioral context: comprehensive list of returnable data fields (celestial events, QPF, UV index), timezone handling rules (location's local time), and temporal limits (48-hour hourly, 7-day daily) that help the agent constrain inputs appropriately.

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

Conciseness4/5

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

Appropriately structured with clear headers (Specific Data Available, Usage Modes, Parameter Constraints) that front-load critical information. Length is justified by the complexity of the location oneof constraint and three distinct usage modes, though slightly verbose.

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?

Given the presence of an output schema and 100% input schema coverage, the description provides complete contextual coverage including sibling tool dependencies (search_places), all critical constraints (timezones, date ranges), and data availability details without needing to describe return values.

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

Parameters4/5

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

With 100% schema coverage (baseline 3), the description adds substantial operational semantics: location selection rules with examples for the oneof structure, date format clarifications ('separated into {year, month, day} integers'), hour rounding instructions, and units system defaults/override conditions.

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 opens with a specific verb and resource ('Retrieves comprehensive weather data'), explicitly scopes the functionality (current, hourly, daily forecasts), and distinguishes from sibling tool search_places by noting it as the source for place_id values.

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?

Contains explicit 'Usage Modes' section detailing exact parameter combinations for current weather vs hourly vs daily forecasts, including constraints like 'Hourly forecast beyond 48 hours... is not supported' and 'Historical weather is not supported,' providing clear when-to-use/when-not guidance.

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

resolve_maps_urlsA
Read-only
Inspect

Resolves a list of Google Maps URLs into canonical Google Maps Place IDs.

When to call this tool (CRITICAL):

  • Use this tool when the user provides one or more Google Maps sharing links or URLs (e.g. 'https://maps.app.goo.gl/...', 'https://www.google.com/maps/place/...', or 'https://maps.google.com/...') and you need to extract the underlying canonical Place IDs.

  • You can specify up to 20 URLs to resolve in a single batch request.

Input Requirements (CRITICAL):

  • urls (array of strings - MANDATORY): The list of Google Maps URLs to resolve. Each URL must be a valid, single-place Google Maps URL.

Error Handling (CRITICAL):

  • This is a batch processing tool. A request might return "mixed results" (e.g. some URLs resolve successfully while others fail).

  • The output list of entities is guaranteed to map 1:1 with the input urls indices. A failed URL resolution will result in an empty Entity message (no fields are set) at its corresponding index in the entities list.

  • You MUST check the failed_requests map field in the response to identify which specific URL index failed. The key of failed_requests represents the 0-based index of the failed URL in the request. Do not assume the entire batch call failed because of a partial failure.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
urlsYesRequired. The Google Maps URLs to be resolved. Each URL should be a valid Google Maps URL, for example, https://maps.app.goo.gl/..., https://www.google.com/maps/place/..., or https://maps.google.com/.... Currently, only URLs pointing to a single place are supported. You may specify up to 20 URLs.

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
entitiesNoOutput only. The list of resolved entities from the Google Maps URLs. Guaranteed to map 1:1 with the request `urls` indices. An empty message at index `i` (where no `entity` is set) indicates the resolution failed for that URL. If the resolution failed, please check the `failed_requests` field for the error status.
failedRequestsNoOutput only. A map communicating partial failures for the Google Maps URLs. The key is the index of the failed request in the `urls` field. The value is the error status detailing why the resolution failed.
Behavior5/5

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

The description goes beyond the readOnlyHint annotation by detailing batch processing (up to 20 URLs), 1:1 mapping to response indices, the failed_requests map for partial failures, and how to interpret empty entities. This adds significant context for correct invocation.

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

Conciseness4/5

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

The description is well-structured with clear headings and sections (When to call, Input Requirements, Error Handling). It is appropriately sized for a batch tool, though some redundancy exists (e.g., repeating URL formats). It front-loads the core purpose.

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?

Given the tool has an output schema (so return values are documented separately) and the input schema covers 100% of parameters, the description is complete. It covers input requirements, batch behavior, error handling, and response mapping without gaps.

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

Parameters4/5

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

The schema has 100% description coverage, so baseline is 3. The description adds meaning by clarifying that URLs must be valid single-place Google Maps URLs of specific formats (e.g., maps.app.goo.gl) and that up to 20 are allowed, reinforcing and extending the schema.

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 clearly states the tool resolves Google Maps URLs into canonical Place IDs. It uses a specific verb (resolve) and resource (Maps URLs), and distinguishes from siblings like search_places and resolve_names by focusing on URL-to-ID conversion.

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

Usage Guidelines4/5

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

The description includes a 'When to call' section that specifies use when users provide Google Maps sharing links/URLs. It implies when not to use (e.g., for searching places), but does not explicitly name alternative tools like search_places or resolve_names.

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

resolve_namesA
Read-only
Inspect

Resolves a batch list of specific location queries (landmark names or exact addresses) into canonical Google Maps Place IDs.

Input Requirements (CRITICAL):

  1. queries (array of objects - MANDATORY): A list of location queries to resolve. You may specify up to 20 queries.

    • Each query object must have:

      • text (string - MANDATORY): The text query representing a specific place name or address to resolve.

        • Examples: 'Googleplex, Mountain View, CA', '1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, CA', 'Eiffel Tower, Paris'.

  2. location_bias (object - OPTIONAL): Use this to prioritize results near a specific geographic area.

    • Format: {"viewport": {"low": {"latitude": [value], "longitude": [value]}, "high": {"latitude": [value], "longitude": [value]}}}

  3. region_code (string - OPTIONAL): The Unicode CLDR region code (two-letter country code, e.g., US, CA) of the user to bias the results.

Instructions for Tool Call:

  • Specificity (CRITICAL): Queries must represent a specific place name or address. General searches like 'restaurants' or chain names like 'Starbucks' are not supported.

  • Do NOT call this tool if the downstream tools you plan to invoke already accept raw address or place name strings directly.

Error Handling (CRITICAL):

  • This is a batch processing tool. A request might return "mixed results" (e.g. some queries resolve successfully while others fail).

  • The output list of results is guaranteed to map 1:1 with the input queries indices. A failed query will result in an empty Result message (no entity is set) at its corresponding index in the results list.

  • You MUST check the failed_requests map field in the response to identify which specific query index failed. The key of failed_requests represents the 0-based index of the failed query in the request. Do not assume the entire batch call failed because of a partial failure.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
queriesYesRequired. A list of location queries to be resolved. You may specify up to 20 queries.
regionCodeNoOptional. An optional region code to bias the resolution results. If specified, the resolution results will be biased towards the entities that are in or near the specified region. This should be a CLDR region code. For example, "US" or "CA". Including `location_bias` or `region_code` often provides better results by narrowing the search space. If both `location_bias` and `region_code` are specified, `location_bias` takes precedence over `region_code`.
locationBiasNoOptional. An optional region to bias the resolution results. If specified, the resolution results will be biased towards the entities that are closer to this region. Including `location_bias` or `region_code` often provides better results by narrowing the search space. If both `location_bias` and `region_code` are specified, `location_bias` takes precedence over `region_code`.

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
resultsNoOutput only. The list of resolved entities from the location queries. Guaranteed to map 1:1 with the request `queries` indices. An empty string at index `i` indicates the resolution failed for that query. If the resolution failed, please check the `failed_requests` field for the error status.
failedRequestsNoOutput only. A map communicating partial failures. The key is the index of the failed request in the `queries` field. The value is the error status detailing why the resolution failed.
Behavior5/5

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

Beyond annotations (readOnlyHint=true), the description details batch processing behavior, mixed results, failed_requests map, and 1:1 index mapping. This fully discloses the tool's operational characteristics.

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

Conciseness4/5

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

The description is well-structured with headings (Input Requirements, Instructions, Error Handling) and front-loaded purpose. It is detailed but not excessively long; each section adds necessary context.

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?

Given the complexity (batch, error handling) and existence of output schema, the description covers all necessary aspects: input requirements, optional parameters, usage constraints, and error handling. Nothing missing for effective use.

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

Parameters4/5

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

Schema coverage is 100%, so baseline 3. The description adds value by providing examples for 'text', exact format for 'location_bias' using viewport, and region_code details. It enhances understanding beyond the schema.

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 first sentence clearly states the tool resolves location queries into Google Maps Place IDs. It explicitly distinguishes from siblings by specifying it handles specific place names/addresses, not general search, which differentiates it from 'search_places'.

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?

Provides explicit when-not-to-use instruction: 'Do NOT call this tool if the downstream tools you plan to invoke already accept raw address or place name strings directly.' Also specifies required specificity of queries, guiding appropriate use.

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

search_placesA
Read-only
Inspect

Call this tool when the user's request is to find places, businesses, addresses, locations, points of interest, or any other Google Maps related search.

Input Requirements (CRITICAL):

  1. text_query (string - MANDATORY): The primary search query. This must clearly define what the user is looking for.

    • Examples: 'restaurants in New York', 'coffee shops near Golden Gate Park', 'SF MoMA', '1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, CA, USA', 'pets friendly parks in Manhattan, New York', 'date night restaurants in Chicago', 'accessible public libraries in Los Angeles'.

    • For specific place details: Include the requested attribute (e.g., 'Google Store Mountain View opening hours', 'SF MoMa phone number', 'Shoreline Park Mountain View address').

  2. location_bias (object - OPTIONAL): Use this to prioritize results near a specific geographic area.

    • Format: {"location_bias": {"circle": {"center": {"latitude": [value], "longitude": [value]}, "radius_meters": [value (optional)]}}}

    • Usage:

      • To bias to a 5km radius: {"location_bias": {"circle": {"center": {"latitude": 34.052235, "longitude": -118.243683}, "radius_meters": 5000}}}

      • To bias strongly to the center point: {"location_bias": {"circle": {"center": {"latitude": 34.052235, "longitude": -118.243683}}}} (omitting radius_meters).

  3. language_code (string - OPTIONAL): The language to show the search results summary in.

    • Format: A two-letter language code (ISO 639-1), optionally followed by an underscore and a two-letter country code (ISO 3166-1 alpha-2), e.g., en, ja, en_US, zh_CN, es_MX. If the language code is not provided, the results will be in English.

  4. region_code (string - OPTIONAL): The Unicode CLDR region code of the user. This parameter is used to display the place details, like region-specific place name, if available. The parameter canaffect results based on applicable law.

    • Format: A two-letter country code (ISO 3166-1 alpha-2), e.g., US, CA.

Instructions for Tool Call:

  • Location Information (CRITICAL): The search must contain sufficient location information. If the location is ambiguous (e.g., just "pizza places"), you must specify it in the text_query (e.g., "pizza places in New York") or use the location_bias parameter. Include city, state/province, and region/country name if needed for disambiguation.

  • Always provide the most specific and contextually rich text_query possible.

  • Only use location_bias if coordinates are explicitly provided or if inferring a location from a user's known context is appropriate and necessary for better results.

  • The grounded output must be attributed to the source using the information from the attribution field when available.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
textQueryYesRequired. The text query.
regionCodeNoOptional. The Unicode country/region code (CLDR) of the location where the request is coming from. This parameter is used to display the place details, like region-specific place name, if available. The parameter can affect results based on applicable law. For example, "US" for United States. For more information, see https://www.unicode.org/cldr/charts/latest/supplemental/territory_language_information.html. Note that 3-digit region codes are not currently supported.
languageCodeNoOptional. The language to request that the summary is returned in. If the language code is unspecified or unrecognized, the summary with a preference for English will be returned. For example, "en" for English. Current list of supported languages: https://developers.google.com/maps/faq#languagesupport.
locationBiasNoAn optional region to bias the search results to. If an explicit location is in `text_query`, it will be used to bias the search results instead of this field.

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
placesNoOutput only. The list of places that are mentioned in the summary.
summaryNoOutput only. A natural language summary of the search results. The summary may contain zero-based citations like "[0]", "[1]", "[2]" etc. These citations map to the corresponding places in the `places` field.
Behavior3/5

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

With annotations declaring readOnlyHint=true, the description adds valuable behavioral context: specifying that results outside the bias region may still be returned, explaining that omitting radius_meters strongly biases toward the center point, and noting that language codes affect display formatting. However, it omits rate limits, pagination behavior, or error conditions that would further aid agent decision-making.

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

Conciseness4/5

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

The description is well-structured with clear hierarchies (Input Requirements vs. Instructions) and front-loaded purpose. While lengthy, every sentence earns its place by providing specific examples or critical constraints. Minor verbosity exists in the repeated 'CRITICAL' labels and heavy formatting, but this is appropriate for the parameter complexity.

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?

Given the presence of an output schema (relieving the description of return value documentation), the description thoroughly covers all complex input requirements, parameter interactions (noting that explicit locations in text_query override location_bias), and disambiguation rules necessary for successful invocation.

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

Parameters5/5

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

Despite 100% schema coverage (baseline 3), the description adds substantial semantic value through seven diverse text_query examples (including attribute-specific queries like 'opening hours'), explicit JSON syntax for nested location_bias objects, and format clarifications for language/region codes. This goes far beyond the schema's basic 'The text query' descriptions.

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 explicitly states the tool 'find[s] places, businesses, addresses, locations, points of interest' and identifies it as 'Google Maps related search,' clearly distinguishing it from sibling tools compute_routes (routing) and lookup_weather (weather data). The specific verb+resource combination provides unambiguous scope.

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

Usage Guidelines4/5

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

The description provides explicit invocation criteria ('Call this tool when...') and detailed guidance on parameter selection (text_query vs. location_bias). However, it lacks explicit named alternatives or 'when not to use' exclusions referencing the sibling tools, though the functional scope is distinct enough to imply boundaries.

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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