How to Use the Data.gov Catalog MCP in Cursor

Q: How does the Data.gov Catalog MCP Server integrate with Cursor's Agent mode?

Your agent calls searchdatasets directly during a chat session to find relevant API endpoints. It then reads the metadata to write and run code that parses those specific public datasets.

Q: Can I generate TypeScript types for the Data.gov Catalog inside Cursor?

Yes. This MCP Server uses getharvestrecordtransformed to fetch the active DCAT-US JSON payload. Cursor reads this structure to write precise, typed interfaces for your application.

Q: Is my workspace code exposed when querying the catalog?

No. Only the specific parameters passed to tools like getkeywords leave your local editor. Vinkius isolates all execution within a zero-trust network, ensuring your proprietary code remains strictly on your machine.

Feed live U.S. government schemas and API endpoints directly into Cursor to generate typed code with real data.

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Connect Data.gov Catalog MCP to Cursor

Create your Vinkius account to connect Data.gov Catalog to Cursor 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 Data.gov Catalog with Cursor

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Generate code using the Data.gov Catalog MCP Server

`get_harvest_record_transformed` fetches the exact DCAT-US compliant JSON schemas for any government dataset directly into your active editor. Cursor uses these live payloads to write accurate TypeScript interfaces or Python models, skipping the usual guesswork of outdated documentation. Because your agent has direct access to the live metadata, it generates working integration code on the first try. You write parser logic that matches the actual API responses instead of writing code against placeholder stubs.

Verify data sources with raw harvest records

`get_harvest_record` retrieves the complete ingestion metadata for any dataset you are referencing in your codebase. Your editor inspects this record to trace the origin, update frequency, and reliability of the data source before you commit to using it. If you encounter unexpected null values in a dataset, `get_harvest_record_raw` pulls the original, unmodified payload. This lets you debug parsing bugs by comparing what the agency published against how the catalog transformed it.

Inject spatial boundaries directly into GIS code

`get_location_geometry` retrieves GeoJSON boundaries for spatial assets, placing the coordinates directly into your open files. Your agent reads these coordinate arrays to populate map components, Leaflet configurations, or database seeds instantly. To find the correct regions, `search_locations` and `get_organizations` provide the exact identifiers and publishing agencies. You build spatial queries with valid parameters, preventing runtime API failures caused by misspelled location names.

Setup guide

Set up Data.gov Catalog MCP in Cursor

Prerequisites

Cursor installed (macOS, Windows, or Linux)
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Open MCP Settings

Go to Cursor Settings → MCP or open the Command Palette (Cmd+Shift+P / Ctrl+Shift+P) and search for "MCP: Add Server".
2

Add the Data.gov Catalog MCP

Cursor will create or open .cursor/mcp.json in your project root. Paste the JSON snippet on the right. Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your endpoint token from cloud.vinkius.com.
3

Enable Agent mode

Open Composer (Cmd+I / Ctrl+I) and switch to Agent mode using the dropdown at the top. MCP tools are only available in Agent mode.
4

Verify the connection

Ask Cursor something like "List my recent Data.gov Catalog transactions." If the MCP tools are loaded correctly, Cursor will call the Data.gov Catalog tools automatically. You can also check Settings → MCP for a green status indicator.

.cursor/mcp.json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "datagov-catalog-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 Data.gov. 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.

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Common questions about Data.gov Catalog MCP in Cursor

Your agent calls `search_datasets` directly during a chat session to find relevant API endpoints. It then reads the metadata to write and run code that parses those specific public datasets.

Yes. This MCP Server uses `get_harvest_record_transformed` to fetch the active DCAT-US JSON payload. Cursor reads this structure to write precise, typed interfaces for your application.

You ask Cursor to find regional data. Your agent uses the MCP Server to call `search_locations` to resolve the location ID, then applies that spatial filter to `search_datasets` to return geo-targeted results.

No. The server runs in a remote, managed environment, giving your editor direct access to the catalog via standard JSON-RPC over HTTPS.

No. Only the specific parameters passed to tools like `get_keywords` leave your local editor. Vinkius isolates all execution within a zero-trust network, ensuring your proprietary code remains strictly on your machine.

Use it with your favorite AI tools

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