• DATA
  • LOGISTICS
  • PLANNING
  • HUMAN

How to calculate multi-stop driving routes with your AI

Connect ArcGIS to your AI client to turn address lists into driving paths. Once connected, your agent handles the mapping and the math.

Ask AI about this page

Short answer

How do I turn a list of addresses into an optimized route?

Give your AI a list of locations and ask it to find the best driving path. It converts the addresses to coordinates and calculates the total distance and time. You'll get a clear itinerary.

Route outcomes

What you get

The results your agent produces after processing your locations.

DATA

Cleaned coordinates

The AI converts your text addresses into precise geographic points. This ensures the routing engine works with exact locations.

LOGISTICS

Optimized path

The agent calculates the most efficient driving order. You receive the total distance and estimated travel time for the trip.

PLANNING

Ready-to-use itinerary

The AI organizes the stops into a logical sequence. You can copy this list into your calendar or navigation app.

HUMAN

Manual review

The AI cannot account for real-time road closures or personal preferences. You'll need to check the final route before driving.

The workflow

What your AI does when the addresses arrive.

The AI uses ArcGIS tools to move from text to a finished route.

  1. Locate addresses

    The agent takes your list of street names or landmarks and finds their exact positions on a map.

    geocode_address

  2. Build the path

    Once the locations are set, the AI calculates the driving directions between all points.

    get_route

  3. Calculate totals

    The agent sums up the mileage and the driving duration for the entire trip.

    get_route

  4. Format output

    The AI presents the final sequence and travel stats in a readable format for you.

    get_route

Try it

Copy these to start.

Use these prompts to trigger the routing workflow.

Starting points

Replace the bracketed text with your actual locations or specific requirements.

ArcGIS Connector

You're all set. Choose your MCP client and follow the setup instructions.

Connector linkhttps://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_ml84tEmk63YxDgZWdSUjIcZwgsVdo7W8h8ORiuJ0/mcp

Claude Desktop

Follow the steps below to connect in seconds.

  1. 1In Claude Desktop, open Settings → Connectors.
  2. 2Click “Add custom connector” and paste the connector link above as the remote MCP server URL.
  3. 3Click Add and start a new chat — ArcGIS capabilities are ready to use.
Configuration · claude_desktop_config.jsonCopy
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "arcgis-alternative-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_ml84tEmk63YxDgZWdSUjIcZwgsVdo7W8h8ORiuJ0/mcp"
    }
  }
}
Copy into chat04

  • Find the best driving route for these addresses: [List addresses here].

  • Calculate the total distance and travel time for a trip starting at [Address A] and visiting [Address B, C, and D].

  • I have a list of delivery stops in [City Name]. Use ArcGIS to find the most efficient driving order.

  • Convert these locations into a driving route: [Paste list of addresses].

  • Claude
  • ChatGPT
  • Cursor
  • VS Code
  • Windsurf
  • Claude Code
  • JetBrains
  • Cline

Start here

Connect ArcGIS once, then ask.

Click the link to connect your account. Your credentials stay encrypted and private, and you can start routing immediately in your preferred AI client.

Connect ArcGIS to your AI

FAQ

How this task behaves

  • 01

    Can the AI update my existing Google Maps routes?

    No. The AI generates new route data through ArcGIS; it does not modify your personal navigation apps.

  • 02

    Does the AI account for live traffic jams?

    No. The tools provided calculate routes based on standard road data, not real-time traffic conditions.

  • 03

    Can I upload a CSV file of addresses?

    Yes. You can paste the contents of a CSV or a list of addresses directly into the chat for the AI to process.

  • 04

    Will the AI delete my ArcGIS account data?

    No. The AI only uses the tools to read and process information for the specific task you request.

  • 05

    Can the AI book a driver for me?

    No. The AI only calculates the route, distance, and time. You must handle the actual transportation yourself.

  • More questions about ArcGIS? The Connector page answers them. See everything the ArcGIS Connector can do

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