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mcp-gauge — Verifiable facts for AI agents, pay-per-call via x402

MCP server score License: MIT Model Context Protocol

Check official facts before your AI agent acts. 180+ signals from USGS, NOAA, SEC EDGAR, EPA, and more — each response includes multi-source cross-validation and a tamper-proof receipt anchored to Bitcoin via OpenTimestamps. No API key, no signup. Pay per call in USDC on Base via x402.

Quick start

Claude Desktop

Add to your config (~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json on macOS, %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json on Windows):

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "gauge": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "mcp-gauge-x402"],
      "env": {
        "EVM_PRIVATE_KEY": "0x..."   // optional — omit for free tools only
      }
    }
  }
}

Cursor

Add to .cursor/mcp.json in your project root (or global config):

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "gauge": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "mcp-gauge-x402"],
      "env": {
        "EVM_PRIVATE_KEY": "0x..."   // optional — omit for free tools only
      }
    }
  }
}

Claude Code

claude mcp add gauge -- npx -y mcp-gauge-x402
# For paid tools, add the env:
claude mcp add gauge --env EVM_PRIVATE_KEY=0x... -- npx -y mcp-gauge-x402

Other MCP hosts

Any MCP client that supports stdio transport works. Command: npx -y mcp-gauge-x402, set EVM_PRIVATE_KEY in env for paid tools.

Alternative: install from GitHub (no npm account needed):

npx -y github:CHANGCHINFU/mcp-gauge

From source

git clone https://github.com/CHANGCHINFU/mcp-gauge && cd mcp-gauge
npm install && npm run build
node dist/index.js

Related MCP server: valorem-mev-mcp

Payment setup

Without EVM_PRIVATE_KEY

With EVM_PRIVATE_KEY

Free tools

Yes

Yes

Paid tools

No (tools visible but calls fail)

Yes (auto-pays via x402)

How it works: When your agent calls a paid tool, the GAUGE server returns an x402 payment challenge. The MCP client automatically pays in USDC on Base (EIP-3009 gasless — no ETH needed) and retries the request. The receipt is included in every response.

Wallet safety:

  • Use a dedicated burner wallet with a small USDC balance — never your main wallet

  • The private key never leaves your machine (processed locally by x402-fetch)

  • Fund with just enough USDC for your expected usage

  • Network: Base mainnet (Coinbase L2)

Tools

Free (no wallet needed)

Tool

What it does

gauge_catalog

Browse 180+ available signals

gauge_preview

Coverage, pricing menu, bundle contents

gauge_sample

Full sample record with Bitcoin receipt

gauge_river_free

US river gauge reading (USGS) with receipt

gauge_anchor

Look up Bitcoin proof for any record_hash

Paid — single-source verification

Tool

What it does

verify_signal

Check one official fact from 180+ signals. Bitcoin-anchored receipt.

gauge_flood_risk

Hydrology / air / precipitation alias of verify_signal

gauge_resolution_as_of

Prediction-market settlement — official fact + evidence + receipt

Paid — 3-source cross-validation bundles

Tool

What it cross-checks

gauge_region

Air quality + precipitation + river level

gauge_crop_drought

Drought severity + heat/GDD + satellite crop health

gauge_grid_stress

Demand pressure + renewable output + energy inflation

gauge_route_disruption

Sea state + wave cause + live AIS vessel traffic

gauge_filing_check

SEC 8-K events + late filing + insider buy/sell

gauge_stablecoin_lifecycle

Peg drift + redemption acceleration + protocol exposure

gauge_rwa_lifecycle

Issuer lifecycle + redemption pressure + downstream exposure

gauge_lrt_lifecycle

Discount-to-NAV + withdrawal queue + collateral cascade

gauge_defi_lending

Utilization + bad-debt pressure + contagion

gauge_depin_network

Network liveness + reward churn + downstream exposure

Prices are set by the live x402 challenge (use gauge_preview to check current pricing). If you drive the API with your own x402 client, set maxValue to at least $0.25 — the default $0.10 makes your client reject bundle tools locally.

Environment variables

Key

Required

Description

EVM_PRIVATE_KEY

For paid tools

Base-mainnet wallet private key (0x...). Needs USDC, no ETH.

GAUGE_BASE_URL

No

API endpoint. Default: https://api.truthbear.co

GAUGE_MAX_USDC

No

Atomic per-call cap in USDC (6 decimals). Default: 350000

Zero-trust verification

Every paid record carries a record_hash (canonical SHA-256). Daily Merkle roots are stamped to Bitcoin via OpenTimestamps. The stamp proves the record set existed no later than stamped_at. Re-check anytime:

  • gauge_anchor tool (free)

  • POST /verify or /proof/:record_hash at the GAUGE API

  • Download attestation bytes and verify with the official ots CLI

FAQ

Do I need ETH for gas? No. x402 uses EIP-3009 (gasless USDC transfer). You only need USDC on Base.

What if I don't set a private key? You can still use all 5 free tools. Paid tools will be listed but return an error when called.

Is my private key sent to the server? No. The key stays on your machine. x402-fetch signs the payment locally and sends only the signed authorization to the GAUGE server.

What happens if the data isn't available? The tool honest-fails with no charge. You only pay when you get a result.

Can I verify the receipt without your server? Yes. Download the OpenTimestamps attestation via gauge_anchor and verify with the standard ots CLI tool against any Bitcoin node.

MIT · AEML-DS Vanished-Data Exchange

Available Tools

10 tools
gauge_catalogGAUGE catalog (free)AInspect

List all GAUGE signals — hydrology (river level/streamflow), air quality (AQI/PM2.5), precipitation/drought, agriculture (drought/heat/crop VHI), power grid (demand/renewables/energy inflation), shipping (route disruption/sea state/AIS throughput), regulatory filing (8-K/late filing/insider) — with the entities you can query. Free, no payment.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault

No parameters

TDQS

A4.4/5.0
Behavior4/5

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

No annotations exist, so description carries full burden. It accurately portrays a read-only listing without side effects, which is sufficient for a catalog tool. No contradictions or misleading statements.

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?

Single sentence with a front-loaded verb and resource, but the long list of categories makes it somewhat verbose. Still efficient for the information conveyed.

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?

For a zero-parameter free catalog tool with no output schema, the description explains what the tool lists and hints at the response content ('entities you can query'). It is complete for its intended simplicity.

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 zero parameters and 100% schema coverage, the description does not need to add parameter details. The baseline for no parameters is 4, and the description appropriately focuses on output content.

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?

Description clearly states 'List all GAUGE signals' and enumerates specific categories (hydrology, air quality, etc.), making the purpose unambiguous. It distinguishes from sibling tools like gauge_crop_drought by offering a comprehensive overview rather than a specific signal type.

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 implies use to see available signals before using specific tools, especially with 'Free, no payment' encouraging exploration. However, it does not explicitly state when to avoid it or mention alternatives, leaving some ambiguity.

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

gauge_crop_droughtAgriculture triangle: crop drought ($0.10)AInspect

Agriculture triangle for a grain region: agricultural drought (soil moisture vs official USDM D0–D4) + heat/GDD + crop vegetation health (NOAA satellite VHI) + cross-validation (has drought hit the crop canopy). For ag traders & crop insurers. Costs $0.10 USDC on Base. loc e.g. us-iowa, ar-pampas, ua-ukraine.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
locYesgrain region id, e.g. us-iowa, ar-pampas, ua-ukraine

TDQS

A4.4/5.0
Behavior4/5

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

No annotations provided, so description must cover behavioral traits. It discloses cost ($0.10 USDC on Base), data sources (NOAA satellite VHI, USDM), and the four analytical components. However, it does not describe the output format, rate limits, or authentication requirements, leaving some ambiguity about how the tool behaves at runtime.

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 concise (2-3 sentences), front-loads the core purpose, and includes essential details (cost, data sources, examples) without unnecessary words. Every sentence adds value.

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?

Given the tool's complexity (four analytical components) and lack of output schema, the description provides a good overview of what the tool returns (soil moisture, heat/GDD, vegetation health, cross-validation). However, it could improve by explicitly describing the output format (e.g., numeric indices, categorical status) and any prerequisites for use (e.g., API key).

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 description coverage is 100% and the parameter 'loc' is described with examples ('us-iowa, ar-pampas, ua-ukraine') both in the schema and the main description. The description adds real-world context by listing grain region examples, which helps the agent understand valid inputs 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?

Description clearly states it gauges agricultural drought for a grain region, listing four specific data components (soil moisture, heat/GDD, vegetation health, cross-validation). Distinguishes from sibling tools like gauge_flood_risk or gauge_grid_stress by focusing on crop-specific drought analysis. Verb is implicit in 'gauge' and the title 'Agriculture triangle: crop drought' reinforces the purpose.

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?

Target audience ('For ag traders & crop insurers') is explicitly mentioned, and the description implies usage for monitoring drought impact on crops. However, no explicit guidance on when not to use this tool or how it compares to siblings like gauge_flood_risk or gauge_river_free, which might also be relevant for agricultural analysis.

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

gauge_filing_checkRegulatory-filing triangle: corporate distress & insider ($0.10)AInspect

Regulatory-filing triangle for a company: 8-K material events (item severity — bankruptcy/default/restatement/delisting = critical) + NT late-filing delinquency (distress leading indicator) + Form 4 insider net open-market buy/sell + cross-validation (do insiders confirm the distress by selling or contradict it by buying). All official SEC EDGAR. For event-driven/activist/short funds, quant funds, credit & distressed analysts. Costs $0.10 USDC on Base. entity = ticker e.g. AMC, CVNA, GME.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
entityYesticker from watchlist, e.g. AMC, CVNA, GME, BA (see gauge_preview filing_watchlist)

TDQS

A4/5.0
Behavior3/5

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

No annotations are provided, so the description bears full responsibility. It mentions 'All official SEC EDGAR' and the cost, but does not disclose potential error conditions, data freshness, rate limits, or authentication requirements. This is adequate but leaves some behavioral gaps.

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 a single paragraph that efficiently conveys the tool's purpose, components, users, and cost. Every sentence adds value, though it could be slightly more structured (e.g., bullet points) without losing conciseness.

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

Completeness3/5

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

Given the absence of an output schema and minimal annotations, the description adequately explains the tool's inputs and intended analysis. However, it does not describe what the tool returns (e.g., a report, JSON, or visualization), leaving the agent to infer the output from the purpose.

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 only parameter 'entity' is described in the schema as 'ticker from watchlist' with examples. The description reinforces this with 'entity = ticker e.g. AMC, CVNA, GME' and references another tool, adding useful context 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 description clearly identifies the tool as a regulatory-filing triangle combining 8-K, NT late-filing, and Form 4 insider transactions with cross-validation. It specifies the intended users (event-driven, activist, etc.) and distinguishes it from sibling tools which cover unrelated domains like crop drought or flood risk.

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 states the target users and cost, but does not explicitly state when not to use this tool or provide direct comparisons to sibling tools. However, sibling tools are for different domains, so the context implies appropriate use.

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

gauge_flood_riskFlood-risk / anomaly record ($0.05)BInspect

Verifiable flood-risk / anomaly record for one signal+entity: current vs official USGS/NOAA/EPA/CAMS thresholds (band, distance-to-action) + 5yr seasonal anomaly (percentile/strata) + record_hash. Costs $0.05 USDC on Base via x402. Works for hydrology/air/precip signals.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
entityYesUSGS site id for rivers, or city id (e.g. us-chicago) for air/precip — see gauge_catalog
signal_idYese.g. hydrology.river-level, hydrology.streamflow, airquality.aqi, airquality.pm25, precipitation.daily, precipitation.wetness30d

TDQS

B3.2/5.0
Behavior3/5

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

With no annotations, the description bears full burden. It discloses cost, payment mechanism (x402 on Base), data sources (USGS/NOAA/EPA/CAMS), and output components (band, distance-to-action, anomaly, record_hash). However, it omits potential side effects (e.g., is it read-only?), error behavior, rate limits, or confirmation that data is fetched externally.

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 two sentences with no wasted words. Front-loads the core function and then adds supplementary information. Could be slightly more structured (e.g., bullet points) but is efficient and clear.

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?

Given no output schema, the description covers key outputs (thresholds, anomaly, hash) and constraints (one signal+entity, cost, supported signals). It does not detail response format or error states, but provides enough context for an agent to decide if this tool fits the task.

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%, so the parameters are already documented. The description adds examples of signal_id and entity values, and mentions 'gauge_catalog' for entity lookup, but does not substantially enhance parameter meaning beyond the schema. Baseline 3 is appropriate.

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

Purpose4/5

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

The description clearly states it provides a verifiable flood-risk/anomaly record for a single signal+entity, comparing current data to official thresholds and seasonal anomalies. It specifies supported signal types (hydrology, air, precip) which distinguishes it from broader tools, but does not contrast with sibling tools like gauge_catalog or gauge_preview explicitly.

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

Usage Guidelines2/5

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

The description includes that the tool costs $0.05, implying it's for paid verifiable records, but offers no explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives or when not to use it. No when-to-use or when-not-to-use statements are present.

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

gauge_grid_stressPower grid triangle: grid stress & energy inflation ($0.10)AInspect

Power grid triangle for a grid region: electricity demand pressure (temperature HDD/CDD load proxy) + renewable resource (solar/wind) + energy inflation (US CPI Energy YoY) / natural gas price + cross-validation (high demand × low renewables = grid squeeze → energy inflation). For power/energy & macro/inflation traders, utilities. Costs $0.10 USDC on Base. loc e.g. us-ercot, us-caiso, eu-germany.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
locYesgrid region id, e.g. us-ercot, us-caiso, eu-germany

TDQS

A3.5/5.0
Behavior3/5

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It discloses the cost ($0.10 USDC) and outlines the computed components (demand, renewables, inflation, cross-validation). However, it does not describe output format, data source recency, error handling, or whether the operation is read-only (likely but unstated). The lack of output schema compounds this gap.

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 compact (three sentences) and front-loaded with the main concept. It includes cost and examples without unnecessary details. Every sentence contributes value, though it could be slightly more structured (e.g., separate output description).

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

Completeness2/5

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

Given the tool has no output schema and moderate complexity (computing a composite metric), the description omits important details: it does not specify the return format (JSON, fields, data types), how to handle invalid loc values, or whether results are cached or real-time. The target audience is mentioned, but usage context is incomplete for a tool with no structured output documentation.

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?

There is only one parameter (loc) with 100% schema coverage. The description adds context by giving example values (us-ercot, us-caiso, eu-germany) and stating it's a grid region id. Since schema coverage is high and description adds some examples, a score of 3 is appropriate.

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's purpose: computing a 'Power grid triangle' combining demand pressure, renewable resources, energy inflation, and cross-validation for a grid region. It identifies the target audience (power/energy & macro/inflation traders, utilities) and provides example locations, clearly distinguishing it from sibling tools covering different domains like crop drought or flood risk.

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

Usage Guidelines3/5

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

The description indicates the tool is for traders and utilities interested in grid stress and energy inflation, and gives example loc values. However, it does not explicitly state when to use or avoid this tool relative to alternatives, nor does it specify prerequisites or typical use cases beyond the broad audience statement.

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

gauge_previewGAUGE preview & pricing menu (free)AInspect

GAUGE coverage counts, à-la-carte pricing menu, and the lists of region/company bundles (regions, agri_regions, grid_regions, shipping_regions, filing_watchlist). Use this to discover what to buy. Free.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault

No parameters

TDQS

A4/5.0
Behavior3/5

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

With no annotations, the description carries the full burden. It discloses the tool is free and provides preview data, but does not mention idempotency, read-only nature, or any side effects. It is adequate but not thorough.

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 only two sentences, each concise and informative. It is front-loaded with the key offerings and ends with 'Free.' No superfluous words; every part earns its place.

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?

Given no parameters and no output schema, the description covers the tool's output: coverage counts, pricing, and bundle lists. It does not detail return format or pagination, but for a free preview tool with zero inputs, this is largely sufficient. A small gap but mostly complete.

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?

The input schema has no parameters, so schema coverage is 100%. The baseline score is 3. The description adds value by explaining what the tool offers without parameters, but does not need to elaborate on parameter semantics. Scoring 3 is appropriate.

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 provides 'GAUGE coverage counts, à-la-carte pricing menu, and the lists of region/company bundles.' It uses specific verb+resource and distinguishes from siblings by noting it is free and for discovering what to buy. This makes the purpose unmistakable.

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 advises 'Use this to discover what to buy,' providing clear context. It does not explicitly state when not to use it or list alternatives, but the sibling tool names imply other tools are for specific risk assessments. The guidance is adequate but lacks explicit exclusions.

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

gauge_regionRegion bundle: air + rain + river ($0.10)AInspect

Three-leg region bundle for a US city: air quality + precipitation + nearby river, with cross-line corroboration narrative. Costs $0.10 USDC on Base. loc e.g. us-stlouis, us-chicago (see gauge_preview regions).

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
locYescity id, e.g. us-stlouis

TDQS

A3.6/5.0
Behavior3/5

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden. It mentions the cost ($0.10 USDC) and the output (air, rain, river, narrative) but does not disclose other behavioral traits like rate limits, idempotency, or whether the call is destructive. The absence of such details leaves gaps for a tool with significant implications.

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 concise sentences. The first sentence clearly states the bundle composition and narrative, and the second provides cost and location guidance. Every word is relevant, and the structure is efficient for quick comprehension.

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?

Given the tool has a single parameter and no output schema, the description adequately explains what the tool returns (air, rain, river, narrative) and mentions cost and region format. It references gauge_preview for region lookup, which is helpful. Minor missing details about output format or data units, but overall sufficient for a low-complexity tool.

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?

The schema already describes the 'loc' parameter with an example. The description adds a second example ('us-chicago') and references gauge_preview for valid regions, which is moderately helpful. However, since schema coverage is 100%, the description does not dramatically increase semantic understanding beyond what the schema provides.

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

Purpose4/5

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

The description clearly states that this tool provides a bundle combining air quality, precipitation, and nearby river data for a US city, along with a narrative. It identifies the resource and its components, though it does not explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like gauge_river_free or gauge_preview.

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

Usage Guidelines3/5

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

The description implies when to use (for a three-leg bundle) and suggests checking gauge_preview for valid region identifiers. However, it lacks explicit guidance on when not to use this tool or how it compares to alternatives such as gauge_crop_drought or gauge_flood_risk.

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

gauge_river_freeFree US river readingAInspect

Free raw US river reading (gage height / streamflow) for a USGS site id — current/previous/change/trend/sources/record_hash. No payment. Example site 07010000 = Mississippi at St. Louis.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
entityYesUSGS site id, e.g. 07010000
signal_idNodefault hydrology.river-level

TDQS

A3.8/5.0
Behavior3/5

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

No annotations exist, so description carries full burden. It lists returned data types but does not mention error handling, authentication, or rate limits. The 'No payment' note adds some transparency.

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 a single focused sentence with an example, front-loading the core purpose with no 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 simple 2-param tool with no output schema or annotations, the description adequately explains what the tool returns (current/previous/change/trend/record_hash) and provides an example, but lacks detail on output format and error states.

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% with descriptions. The description adds an example and clarifies the entity parameter as USGS site id, but does not significantly expand beyond 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 it provides free raw US river readings (gage height/streamflow) for a USGS site id, with an example. It distinguishes from sibling tools that focus on other gauge-related data.

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

Usage Guidelines3/5

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

The description implies use for river level or streamflow data but does not explicitly state when to use this tool vs alternatives like gauge_flood_risk or gauge_crop_drought.

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

gauge_route_disruptionShipping triangle: route disruption & throughput ($0.10)AInspect

Shipping/port triangle for a chokepoint: logistics-flow disruption (WMO sea state + wind vs operational thresholds) + sea-state cause (wave decomposition: local-storm vs distant-swell) + live AIS vessel throughput (waiting vs transiting + congestion) + cross-validation. For shipping lines, commodity/freight traders, ports, marine insurers. Costs $0.10 USDC on Base. loc e.g. malacca, suez-redsea, hormuz, channel.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
locYeschokepoint id, e.g. malacca, suez-redsea, hormuz, channel

TDQS

A4/5.0
Behavior4/5

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

No annotations exist, so description carries full burden. It discloses monetary cost ($0.10 USDC on Base) and lists data sources (WMO, AIS). It implies a read-only analytical tool with cross-validation. No contradictions.

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

Conciseness3/5

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

The description is a single dense sentence listing multiple components. While information-rich, it lacks paragraph breaks or bullet points, making it harder to parse quickly.

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?

Despite no output schema, the description explains the multifaceted outputs (disruption, cause, throughput, validation) and cost. It is sufficient for an agent to understand the tool's purpose and data, though error behavior and result format are omitted.

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?

The sole parameter 'loc' is fully described in the schema with examples. The tool description repeats the examples but adds no new syntax or format details. Schema coverage is 100%, so baseline applies.

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 assesses 'logistics-flow disruption' with specific components (WMO sea state, wave decomposition, AIS throughput). It distinguishes from siblings like gauge_crop_drought or gauge_grid_stress by focusing on maritime chokepoints and shipping.

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?

Target users are specified ('shipping lines, commodity/freight traders, ports, marine insurers') and example chokepoint IDs (malacca, suez) provide clear context. No explicit when-not-to-use or alternatives, but sibling diversity makes context sufficient.

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

gauge_sampleGAUGE free sample recordAInspect

A free full sample GAUGE record — shows exactly what a paid response contains: current reading vs official thresholds (band, distance-to-action), seasonal statistical anomaly (percentile/strata), sources + record_hash provenance. Try before you buy.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault

No parameters

TDQS

A4.5/5.0
Behavior4/5

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

With no annotations, the description carries the burden of describing behavior. It discloses that the sample contains current reading vs thresholds, anomaly data, and provenance. However, it doesn't mention auth requirements or read-only nature, which is fine for a sample.

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 a single, front-loaded sentence that conveys all necessary information without any wasted words. It efficiently explains the tool's purpose and content.

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 no parameters, no output schema, and is a simple sample, the description is complete. It explains what the sample contains, why it exists, and how it relates to paid tools.

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 tool has zero parameters, and the schema coverage is 100% (empty). Per guidelines, baseline is 4. The description adds no parameter info because none exist.

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 provides a free sample GAUGE record, showing exactly what a paid response contains. It uses specific verbs and resources, and distinguishes from paid versions and sibling tools like gauge_preview.

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 implicitly tells when to use: 'Try before you buy' indicates it's for evaluation. While it doesn't explicitly exclude alternatives, the purpose is clear enough for the agent to decide.

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

Tool Schema Changelog

Recent tool additions, removals, and schema changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. 10 tool updatesv0.1.0
    • First observedgauge_catalog
    • First observedgauge_crop_drought
    • First observedgauge_filing_check
    • First observedgauge_flood_risk
    • First observedgauge_grid_stress
    • First observedgauge_preview
    • First observedgauge_region
    • First observedgauge_river_free
    • First observedgauge_route_disruption
    • First observedgauge_sample

TDQS

A3.9/5.0

Scored across 10 tools

Disambiguation5/5

Each tool has a clearly distinct purpose: catalog vs preview, free raw data vs specialized triangles for different domains (crop, filing, grid, route), region bundle, and sample. No two tools seem to overlap.

Naming Consistency4/5

Tool names follow a consistent 'gauge_<domain>' pattern with snake_case. Minor inconsistency: 'gauge_catalog' and 'gauge_preview' both are listing tools, but the naming is mostly predictable.

Tool Count5/5

Ten tools is well-scoped for a specialized data server covering multiple domains (hydrology, air quality, agriculture, grid, shipping, regulatory). Each tool earns its place.

Completeness4/5

The tool surface covers major signals from the catalog, but some signals (e.g., standalone air quality) only appear in bundles, and there are no tools for updating data. Overall, it's complete for a read-only data retrieval server.

Maintenance

ActivityActive
ResponsivenessNo issues

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