• METADATA
  • HIERARCHY
  • GEOMETRY
  • HUMAN

How to retrieve OpenStreetMap object details with your AI

Connect Nominatim to your AI client to pull granular geographic data. Once connected, your agent can query specific map elements and their surrounding context.

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Short answer

How can I get OSM object details using my AI?

Your AI uses the Nominatim MCP to fetch specific metadata, bounding boxes, and administrative levels for any OpenStreetMap element. You get precise geographic hierarchies and object properties through direct queries. This allows you to build maps or analyze spatial data using natural language.

Data outcomes

What your AI pulls from the map

The specific data points your agent retrieves.

METADATA

Deep object properties

The AI retrieves specific tags and attributes for a given OSM element. You get the exact details stored in the map database.

HIERARCHY

Administrative levels

Your agent identifies the relationship between places, such as cities, districts, and countries. It maps out the full political structure.

GEOMETRY

Bounding box coordinates

The AI pulls the spatial extent of an object. You receive the exact coordinates needed to define an area on a map.

HUMAN

Manual verification

You must review the retrieved coordinates and tags for accuracy. The AI provides the data, but you decide if it fits your specific project needs.

The workflow

What your AI does when a query arrives.

The AI translates your natural language requests into specific map lookups.

  1. Identify the element

    The AI searches for the specific OSM object or location you mentioned to find its unique identifier.

    lookup_osm

  2. Fetch full details

    Once the ID is found, the agent pulls every available attribute and tag associated with that element.

    get_details

  3. Extract hierarchy

    The agent parses the administrative relationship to show how the object fits into larger regions.

    get_details

  4. Define boundaries

    The AI calculates the bounding box to provide the spatial limits of the requested area.

    get_details

Try it

Copy these to start.

Use these prompts to begin your spatial analysis.

Starting points

Swap the bracketed text for the specific place or OSM ID you want to investigate.

Nominatim Connector

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

Connector linkhttps://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_8IxlC9ctUCyetK3OIL7HGhxUdKZezmN5BOMtONYK/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 — Nominatim capabilities are ready to use.
Configuration · claude_desktop_config.jsonCopy
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "nominatim-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_8IxlC9ctUCyetK3OIL7HGhxUdKZezmN5BOMtONYK/mcp"
    }
  }
}
Copy into chat04

  • Find the bounding box for [Berlin, Germany] and tell me its coordinates.

  • Get the full metadata and tags for OSM element [ID number].

  • What is the administrative hierarchy for [the Eiffel Tower]?

  • List all the details for the area around [Times Square] including its parent regions.

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

Start here

Connect Nominatim once, then ask.

One click connects the MCP to your client. Your credentials stay encrypted, and you can start querying OSM data immediately.

Connect Nominatim to your AI

FAQ

How this task behaves

  • 01

    Can the AI edit OpenStreetMap data?

    No. The tools only allow the AI to retrieve existing data. It cannot add, change, or delete any information on the map.

  • 02

    Does the AI provide real-time traffic data?

    No. This MCP is for retrieving static OSM object details and metadata, not live sensor or traffic feeds.

  • 03

    Can I get coordinates for a specific building?

    Yes. If the building is mapped in OSM, the AI can retrieve its bounding box and specific tags.

  • 04

    Will the AI automatically save these details to a file?

    No. The AI provides the data in the chat. You must manually copy the information or use it in your own applications.

  • 05

    How does the AI find an object if I don't have the ID?

    The AI uses the lookup tool to search by name or location to find the correct element first.

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

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