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Maps Geocode

maps_geocode
Read-onlyIdempotent

"Geocode [address] via Google Maps" / "Google Maps coordinates of [place]" / "lat lng for [address] using Google" — convert an address to lat/lng + formatted address via Google Maps Platform. Premium-quality geocoding (highest accuracy for US addresses); requires Google Maps API key. Use when Mapbox/MapTiler/OpenStreetMap miss the address.

Input Schema

NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
_apiKeyYesGoogle Maps API key
addressYesAddress to geocode (e.g., "1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA")

Output Schema

NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
statusNoStatus of the geocoding request
resultsNoArray of geocoding results

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. Changed1 schema field changed
    • changedOutput schema / (root)
      Previous value: -nullNew value: +{
      +  "properties": {
      +    "results": {
      +      "description": "Array of geocoding results",
      +      "items": {
      +        "properties": {
      +          "address_components": {
      +            "description": "Array of address components",
      +            "items": {
      +              "properties": {
      +                "long_name": {
      +                  "description": "Long component name",
      +                  "type": "string"
      +                },
      +                "short_name": {
      +                  "description": "Short component name",
      +                  "type": "string"
      +                },
      +                "types": {
      +                  "description": "Component type tags",
      +                  "items": {
      +                    "type": "string"
      +                  },
      +                  "type": "array"
      +                }
      +              },
      +              "type": "object"
      +            },
      +            "type": "array"
      +          },
      +          "formatted_address": {
      +            "description": "Human-readable address",
      +            "type": "string"
      +          },
      +          "geometry": {
      +            "description": "Location geometry",
      +            "properties": {
      +              "bounds": {
      +                "description": "Bounding box for the address",
      +                "type": "object"
      +              },
      +              "location": {
      +                "properties": {
      +                  "lat": {
      +                    "description": "Latitude coordinate",
      +                    "type": "number"
      +                  },
      +                  "lng": {
      +                    "description": "Longitude coordinate",
      +                    "type": "number"
      +                  }
      +                },
      +                "type": "object"
      +              },
      +              "location_type": {
      +                "description": "Type of location (ROOFTOP, RANGE_INTERPOLATED, GEOMETRIC_CENTER, APPROXIMATE)",
      +                "type": "string"
      +              },
      +              "viewport": {
      +                "description": "Recommended viewport for displaying the address",
      +                "type": "object"
      +              }
      +            },
      +            "type": "object"
      +          },
      +          "place_id": {
      +            "description": "Unique identifier for this place",
      +            "type": "string"
      +          }
      +        },
      +        "type": "object"
      +      },
      +      "type": "array"
      +    },
      +    "status": {
      +      "description": "Status of the geocoding request",
      +      "enum": [
      +        "OK",
      +        "ZERO_RESULTS",
      +        "INVALID_REQUEST",
      +        "OVER_QUERY_LIMIT",
      +        "REQUEST_DENIED",
      +        "UNKNOWN_ERROR"
      +      ],
      +      "type": "string"
      +    }
      +  },
      +  "type": "object"
      +}
  2. Changed1 schema field changed
    • addedInput schema / examples
      Added value: +[
      +  {
      +    "_apiKey": "your-google_maps-api-key",
      +    "address": "1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA"
      +  },
      +  {
      +    "_apiKey": "your-google_maps-api-key",
      +    "address": "Eiffel Tower, Paris, France"
      +  }
      +]
  3. First observed

TDQS

A4.5/5.0
Behavior4/5

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint, idempotentHint, and destructiveHint. The description adds context about premium-quality geocoding and highest accuracy for US addresses, which goes beyond the annotations. It does not mention rate limits or error conditions, but the core behavioral traits are well-covered.

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, front-loading the core action and usage guidance. Every sentence adds value with no wasted words.

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 the simple two-parameter nature of the tool, the description fully covers purpose, usage context, and behavioral traits. No additional details are necessary.

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 description coverage is 100%, with adequate descriptions for both parameters. The description adds little extra meaning beyond the schema, simply restating that the address is geocoded and an API key is needed. No parameter constraints or formats are elaborated further.

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 converts an address to lat/lng and formatted address via Google Maps, using action verbs like 'geocode' and 'convert'. It distinguishes from sibling maps tools by specifying the conversion from address to coordinates.

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 says 'Use when Mapbox/MapTiler/OpenStreetMap miss the address' and notes that a Google Maps API key is required, guiding the agent on when this tool is appropriate versus alternatives.

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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