Skip to main content
Glama

Query Layer

query_layer
Read-onlyIdempotent

Query an ArcGIS Feature Service / Map Service layer by its url (from search_datasets). SQL-like where, comma-separated out_fields, order_by, limit, offset. Returns attribute rows (and geometry). Use where="1=1" + out_fields="*" to sample.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
urlYesFeature/Map Service layer url ending in /FeatureServer/<n> or /MapServer/<n>.
limitNoMax features (1-2000, default 50).
whereNoSQL where clause, e.g. "STATE = 'CA' AND YEAR >= 2020". Default "1=1".
offsetNoPagination offset.
order_byNoe.g. "POP DESC".
out_fieldsNoComma-separated field names, or "*" for all (default).

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. Changed1 schema field changed
    • addedInput schema / examples
      Added value: +[
      +  {
      +    "limit": 50,
      +    "out_fields": "*",
      +    "url": "https://services.arcgisonline.com/arcgis/rest/services/CityOfAustin/FeatureServer/0",
      +    "where": "1=1"
      +  },
      +  {
      +    "limit": 100,
      +    "order_by": "ADDRESS ASC",
      +    "out_fields": "PARCEL_ID,ADDRESS,ZONING",
      +    "url": "https://services.arcgisonline.com/arcgis/rest/services/CityOfAustin/FeatureServer/2",
      +    "where": "ZONING = 'MF-3'"
      +  }
      +]
  2. First observed

TDQS

A4.4/5.0
Behavior4/5

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, idempotentHint=true, and destructiveHint=false, covering safety. The description adds return behavior ('Returns attribute rows (and geometry)') and a practical sampling tip, which is useful beyond the annotations. No contradictions found.

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 two sentences, front-loaded with the main purpose and parameters. The second sentence is a valuable, non-redundant tip. No filler or wasted words.

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

Completeness4/5

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

For a read-only query tool with high schema coverage and safety annotations, the description covers the essential return type (attribute rows and geometry) and gives a quick-start example. It could mention potential errors or external service behavior, but overall it is complete enough for an agent to use correctly.

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 the baseline is 3. The description adds value by summarizing the SQL-like semantics of 'where' and the combination of where="1=1" with out_fields="*" for sampling, which is a meaningful usage pattern not fully explicit in 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 specifies the verb 'Query' and the resource 'ArcGIS Feature Service / Map Service layer', and explicitly ties it to 'search_datasets' for provenance. It distinguishes itself from siblings like layer_info (metadata) and search_within (spatial search) by focusing on layer querying by URL.

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 a clear context: querying a layer obtained from search_datasets, and even gives a concrete sampling pattern with where="1=1" and out_fields="*". However, it does not explicitly state when NOT to use this tool or name alternatives, so it falls short of a full 5.

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

Try in Browser

Glama MCP Gateway

Add one secure layer between your agents and this server.