How to Use the CARTO MCP in Claude

Run spatial SQL and generate drive-time polygons directly inside Claude Desktop for faster map analysis.

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Connect CARTO MCP to Claude Desktop

Create your Vinkius account to connect CARTO to Claude Desktop and route execution through our secure gateway. The platform manages server hosting, runtime updates, and security layers. Configuration requires no manual server provisioning.

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Setup CARTO with Claude Desktop

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Execute spatial SQL in Claude Desktop

Run heavy PostGIS queries against your CARTO data warehouse without leaving your chat window. Use `execute_sql_query` for quick spatial joins or `create_async_sql_job` when you need to process massive datasets that take longer than a minute. You'll get results returned as JSON rows, allowing you to inspect your warehouse data immediately. This MCP Server handles the connection logic while you focus on building your queries.

Model reachability with Claude Desktop

Generate travel-time contours to visualize your service areas. Pass a center point to `calculate_isoline` to get a GeoJSON polygon back, showing exactly where you can reach within a set time or distance threshold. It's perfect for planning logistics or spotting gaps in your store coverage. The tool handles the complex routing math and hands you the clean geometry needed for your maps.

Manage location data in Claude Desktop

Clean up your address lists by piping them through `geocode_batch_addresses`. This tool takes a list of strings and returns precise coordinates, saving you from manual lookup tasks. Need to bring in new data? Use `import_external_file` to pull CSVs or Shapefiles into your warehouse. You can track the progress of these loads using `get_import_status` to ensure your data stays fresh.

Setup guide

Set up CARTO MCP in Claude Web or Desktop

1

Open Claude Settings

Go to claude.ai, click your profile icon, then navigate to Customize → Connectors.
2

Add Custom Connector

Click the "+" button and select Add custom connector. Paste your Vinkius endpoint URL: https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your token from cloud.vinkius.com. For OAuth-protected servers, expand Advanced settings to add credentials.
3

Start a conversation

Open a new chat. The CARTO MCP tools are available immediately — no restart needed.

Endpoint URL

https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp

No configuration file needed — paste the URL directly in the Claude web interface.

Available on Free (1 connector), Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise plans.

Prerequisites

Claude Desktop installed (macOS or Windows)
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Open Claude Desktop Settings

Click the menu icon at the top-left corner, go to Settings → Developer → Edit Config. This opens claude_desktop_config.json in your default text editor.
2

Paste the CARTO MCP configuration

Copy the JSON snippet on the right into the mcpServers object. Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your endpoint token from cloud.vinkius.com.
3

Restart Claude Desktop

Close and reopen the application. Claude needs a full restart to load new MCPs — refreshing a conversation is not enough.
4

Verify the connection

Open a new conversation. Click the 🔌 icon at the bottom of the message input. You should see tools listed under carto-mcp.

json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "carto-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp"
    }
  }
}

Get your connection token →

Independent Platform Disclaimer: Vinkius is an independent platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, verified by, or otherwise authorized by CARTO. All third-party trademarks, logos, and brand names are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this website is strictly for informational purposes to identify service compatibility and interoperability.

Why Choose Vinkius

Vinkius connects your tools to AI with real-time monitoring and automatic cost savings — all from one dashboard.

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Connect your favorite tools to your AI and see exactly what's happening — every request, every response, in real time.

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Single dashboard

One

place for every integration

Every tool your AI connects to, managed from a single screen. One account, complete control.

Common questions about CARTO MCP in Claude Desktop

Open your Claude Desktop config file and add the server details under the mcpServers key. Once you restart the app, the tools will appear in your chat interface.

Yes, you can use the routing tools to calculate paths between points. Claude Desktop will receive the resulting geometry and duration data for your analysis.

Absolutely. You can run complex spatial SQL queries and the results will be displayed directly within your conversation.

Your API tokens are handled securely through the Vinkius platform. The server only interacts with your warehouse when you explicitly trigger a tool.

Your address strings and coordinate data are processed only during the specific geocoding request. We do not store or persist your raw address inputs outside of your own connected warehouse.

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