• DATA
  • HISTORY
  • CLEANUP
  • HUMAN

How to edit and manage map elements with your AI

Connect OpenStreetMap to your AI client to modify map data through chat. You can manage specific elements and organize your edits into changesets without opening a traditional map editor.

Ask AI about this page

Short answer

Can I edit OpenStreetMap data using my AI?

Yes. You can create, update, or delete nodes, ways, and relations by describing the changes you want to make. Your agent also handles the creation and closing of changesets to keep your edits organized.

Map outcomes

What your edits achieve.

Your AI translates your chat instructions into direct database operations.

DATA

Modify map features

The AI adds new points or updates existing paths. You get precise control over tags and geometry through text.

HISTORY

Manage changesets

Your agent handles the lifecycle of an edit session. It opens, updates, and closes changesets to group your work.

CLEANUP

Remove elements

If a feature is wrong, tell the AI to delete it. It removes the specific node, way, or relation you target.

HUMAN

Verify accuracy

The AI executes the technical commands, but you must review the results. You decide if the map data is correct.

The workflow

What your AI does when <the thing arrives>.

The AI acts as the bridge between your conversation and the OpenStreetMap database.

  1. Start a session

    The AI opens a new changeset to hold your upcoming edits.

    create_changeset

  2. Apply changes

    The AI creates new elements, updates existing ones, or deletes what you specify.

    create_elementupdate_elementdelete_element

  3. Modify session

    The AI updates the current changeset if you need to change its metadata or comments.

    update_changeset

  4. Submit edits

    The AI closes the changeset to finalize your contributions to the map.

    close_changeset

Try it

Copy these to start.

Use these prompts to begin your map editing.

Starting points

Replace the specific IDs and tags with the actual data you want to change.

OpenStreetMap Connector

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

Connector linkhttps://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_lYsdJXjQWE6aDpvmlzimYbbJoVMB0mBSaq4KoX0x/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 — OpenStreetMap capabilities are ready to use.
Configuration · claude_desktop_config.jsonCopy
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "openstreetmap-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_lYsdJXjQWE6aDpvmlzimYbbJoVMB0mBSaq4KoX0x/mcp"
    }
  }
}
Copy into chat04

  • Create a new node at lat 40.7128, lon -74.0060 with the tag highway=residential.

  • Update way 1234567 to change the name tag to 'Oak Street'.

  • Open a new changeset with the comment 'Fixing broken sidewalk data'.

  • Delete node 9876543.

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

Start here

Connect OpenStreetMap once, then ask.

Link your account once and your credentials stay encrypted. You can then immediately start managing map elements through your AI client.

Connect OpenStreetMap to your AI

FAQ

How the task behaves

  • 01

    Can the AI upload photos to OpenStreetMap?

    No. This connector only handles nodes, ways, relations, and changesets.

  • 02

    Does the AI decide when to close a changeset?

    No. You must tell the AI to close the changeset when you are finished.

  • 03

    Can I edit existing tags using chat?

    Yes. You can tell the AI to update an element's tags using the update tool.

  • 04

    Can the AI create a whole new road?

    Yes. You can instruct the AI to create a new way with the necessary nodes and tags.

  • 05

    Will the AI automatically fix errors in my changeset?

    No. The AI only performs the specific edits you request.

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

Connect OpenStreetMap to Claude, Cursor, ChatGPT & more