OpenStreetMap MCP Server

A powerful Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for OpenStreetMap, providing 30 tools for geocoding, routing, quality assurance, and data analysis. Optimized for AI assistants like Cursor and Claude.

A community project by Grab — providing open-source mapping tools to help developers and researchers work with OpenStreetMap data more effectively.

🎯 Quick Start

1️⃣ Installation

git clone https://github.com/GRABOSM/osm-mcp.git
cd osm-mcp
npm install
npm run build

2️⃣ Configure AI Integration

Cursor AI

1. Open Cursor Settings → Features → Model Context Protocol.

2. Add a new server with:

   • Type: command

   • Command: node /absolute/path/to/osm-mcp/dist/index.js

Cursor Desktop

Add this to your mcp.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "osm-mcp": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": ["/absolute/path/to/osm-mcp/dist/index.js"]
    }
  }
}

Claude Desktop

Add this to your claude_desktop_config.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "osm": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": ["/absolute/path/to/osm-mcp/dist/index.js"]
    }
  }
}

3️⃣ Start Using

Try asking your AI:

• "Find coffee shops in Makati, Manila"

• "Calculate a 15-minute driving isochrone from Grab HQ Singapore"

• "Get directions from Changi Airport to Marina Bay Sands"

🚀 Key Features

• Geocoding: Search addresses and landmarks globally.

• Routing (OSRM): Turn-by-turn directions, distance matrices, and route optimization.

• Smart POI: Find restaurants, shops, and attractions with intelligent tag detection.

• Quality Assurance (OSMOSE): Detect mapping errors and monitor data quality.

• Changeset Analysis: Analyze recent edits and user contributions.

• Tag Intelligence (Taginfo): Real-world tag usage statistics and validation.

• Dual Interface: Use via MCP (AI tools) or HTTP REST API.

🛠️ Tool Reference (30 Tools)

🗺️ Geocoding (4)

1. search_location: Search for places and addresses.

2. reverse_geocode: Get address from coordinates.

3. search_structured: Search by street, city, country, etc.

4. get_place_details: Get full details of an OSM element.

📍 Points of Interest (3)

5. search_pois: General POI search (amenities, shops, etc.).

6. search_pois_smart: Intelligent POI search with category detection.

7. find_amenities_nearby: Locate facilities within a specific radius.

🛣️ Routing & Navigation (5)

8. get_osrm_route: Detailed turn-by-turn directions.

9. get_distance_matrix: Travel times and distances between multiple points.

10. optimize_route: Find the best route through multiple stops (TSP).

11. map_match_gps: Snap GPS traces to the road network.

12. calculate_isochrone: Area reachable within a time limit.

📊 OSM Data Analysis (6)

13. search_highways_smart: Smart search for roads and motorways.

14. get_elements_in_bounds: Get all data within a bounding box.

15. search_by_tags: Find elements by specific OSM tags.

16. get_route_data: Extract road geometry for custom use.

17. execute_overpass_query: Run advanced Overpass QL queries.

18. snap_to_roads: Find the nearest road for any point.

🔄 Changeset Analysis (3)

19. get_changeset: Details of a specific mapping edit.

20. search_changesets: Find edits by user, time, or location.

21. get_changeset_diff: View exact changes made in an edit.

🔍 Quality Assurance (6)

22. osmose_search_issues: Find data errors with filters.

23. osmose_get_issue_details: Details of a specific quality issue.

24. osmose_get_issues_by_country: Quality issues by nation.

25. osmose_get_issues_by_user: Issues related to a specific user.

26. osmose_get_stats: Data quality metrics and charts.

27. osmose_get_items: List of detectable issue categories.

🏷️ Tag Intelligence (3)

28. get_tag_suggestions: Autocomplete for OSM tags.

29. get_tag_stats: Usage statistics for any tag.

30. validate_osm_tag: Check if a tag combination is proper.

💡 Example Usage

Navigation

"Get directions from KL Sentral to Petronas Twin Towers"

Urban Planning

"Calculate 30-minute driving isochrone from Grab HQ Singapore"

Quality Monitoring

"Analyze recent mapping activity in Bengaluru"

🌐 HTTP API Mode

Run as a standalone server:

npm run dev:http

Access docs at: http://localhost:8888/api/info

🛠️ Troubleshooting

• Absolute Paths: Always use full paths in AI tool configurations.

• Build First: Ensure you run npm run build after any changes.

• Node Version: Use Node.js v18 or higher.

📄 License

This project is licensed under the MIT License.

🙏 Credits

• OpenStreetMap Contributors

• OSRM, Nominatim, Overpass, OSMOSE, Taginfo communities.