• DATA
  • COORDINATES
  • ANALYSIS
  • HUMAN

How to map species distribution with your AI

Connect to GBIF once. From there, your AI pulls the specific occurrence data and coordinates you need for any species.

Ask AI about this page

Short answer

How can I map species distribution with my AI?

Your AI uses the GBIF Connector to fetch occurrence records and GPS coordinates for a specific taxon. It then organizes these locations so you can visualize where the species lives. You'll get a structured set of coordinates ready for mapping.

The results.

Where your data lands.

The AI turns raw database entries into organized spatial information.

DATA

Occurrence records

The AI pulls specific sightings from GBIF. You get the raw metadata for each recorded instance.

COORDINATES

GPS location points

The AI extracts latitude and longitude from the records. This provides the exact points needed for mapping.

ANALYSIS

Distribution patterns

Your AI looks at the density of the points to describe where a species is most common.

HUMAN

Map visualization

The AI provides the data, but you handle the actual plotting in your preferred GIS or mapping software.

The workflow

What your AI does when the request arrives.

The AI handles the heavy lifting of searching and parsing the GBIF database.

  1. Query species

    Your AI takes your species name and prepares a search for the GBIF database.

    get_gbif_occurrences

  2. Fetch records

    The AI calls the database to pull all matching occurrence entries.

    get_gbif_occurrences

  3. Extract coordinates

    The AI parses the results to isolate the latitude and longitude for every record.

    get_gbif_occurrences

  4. Format data

    The AI organizes the coordinates into a clean list or table for you to use.

    get_gbif_occurrences

Try it

Copy these to start.

Use these prompts to trigger the GBIF data retrieval.

Starting points

Swap out the species names and regions for the ones you are actually studying.

GBIF Connector

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

Connector linkhttps://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_SCirCL0PMrW7ObSLpSQ0aHnBntQSSODVn2GiOWXN/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 — GBIF capabilities are ready to use.
Configuration · claude_desktop_config.jsonCopy
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "gbif-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_SCirCL0PMrW7ObSLpSQ0aHnBntQSSODVn2GiOWXN/mcp"
    }
  }
}
Copy into chat04

  • Get all occurrence records for Panthera leo from GBIF.

  • Find the GPS coordinates for recent sightings of Quercus robur in Europe.

  • List the occurrence data for Pinus strobus to help me map its distribution.

  • Retrieve the latest GBIF records for any species found in the Amazon rainforest.

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

Start here

Connect GBIF once, then ask.

Connect your account with one click. Your login stays encrypted on our side, and you can immediately start asking your AI for species data.

Connect GBIF to your AI

FAQ

How this task behaves

  • 01

    Can the AI create a visual map image?

    No. The AI retrieves the GPS coordinates and data, but you must use your own mapping tool to generate the actual image.

  • 02

    Can the AI update records in GBIF?

    No. This Connector only reads occurrence data from GBIF. It cannot add, edit, or delete any records in the database.

  • 03

    Does it work for any species?

    Yes, as long as the species is documented in the GBIF database.

  • 04

    Can I filter by date?

    Yes, you can ask your AI to find records from a specific year or time range.

  • 05

    Will the AI store my GBIF login?

    No. Your login information is encrypted and handled securely so your AI can access the data on your behalf.

  • More questions about GBIF? See everything the GBIF Connector can do

Connect GBIF to Claude, Cursor, ChatGPT & more