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nightlights_tile

Retrieve a map tile URL from NASA's VIIRS Black Marble night lights layer for any location, date, and zoom level.

Instructions

Get night lights map tile URL from NASA GIBS — VIIRS Black Marble layer.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
latYesCenter latitude
lngYesCenter longitude
dateNoDate YYYY-MM-DD (default: latest)
zoomNoZoom level (1-12)
Behavior2/5

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

No annotations exist, so the description must convey behavioral traits. It only states that the tool returns a tile URL but omits details like data freshness, tile format, authentication needs, or rate limits, leaving the agent uninformed.

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 sentence with 10 words, concisely stating the tool's purpose. It is front-loaded and efficient, though it could include more context without becoming verbose.

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 tool's simplicity, the description is minimally complete but lacks details about the return value (e.g., that it's a string URL). Without an output schema, the agent may need to infer the response format, which is a gap.

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 100% description coverage, providing clear meanings for all four parameters. The description adds no further information, so the baseline score of 3 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 explicitly states the verb 'Get', the resource 'night lights map tile URL', and the source 'NASA GIBS — VIIRS Black Marble layer'. It clearly distinguishes this tool from sibling tools like nightlights_anomaly or nightlights_compare, which provide different types of data.

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 provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. Without explicit context or exclusion criteria, an agent cannot determine if this is the best tool for a given request.

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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