• DATA
  • QUERY
  • GIS
  • HUMAN

How to extract raw OSM map data with your AI

Connect Overpass to your agent to query OpenStreetMap. Once connected, you can pull specific geographic data directly into your workflow.

Ask AI about this page

Short answer

How can I pull specific OSM segments using my AI?

Your agent uses the Overpass tool to query OpenStreetMap for specific tags, bounding boxes, or relations. It returns the raw XML data you need for GIS tools. You'll get the exact geographic segments you requested.

The results of your query.

What your data looks like.

The AI handles the complex Overpass QL syntax and data retrieval.

DATA

Raw XML files

The agent fetches the exact XML segments requested. You can save these files for use in QGIS or ArcGIS.

QUERY

Targeted segments

Instead of downloading entire cities, the AI pulls only the specific nodes, ways, or relations you define.

GIS

Ready for mapping

The output is formatted for immediate import into external geographic information systems.

HUMAN

Manual validation

You must review the XML structure and spatial accuracy before running heavy analysis in your GIS software.

The workflow

What your AI does when the request arrives.

The agent translates your natural language into valid Overpass queries.

  1. Translate intent

    Your agent converts your request for specific features or areas into a structured Overpass query.

    get_map

  2. Execute query

    The agent sends the query to the Overpass API to locate the requested geographic data.

    get_map

  3. Format output

    The raw data is captured and structured into the XML format required for your GIS tools.

    get_map

  4. Deliver data

    The agent provides the final XML content to your chat interface for download or use.

    get_map

Try it

Copy these to start.

Use these prompts to begin pulling data.

Starting points

Swap out the bracketed text for your specific area or feature type.

Overpass API Connector

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

Connector linkhttps://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_zzdgleuR8jSsqRIakxavJFmaXkwVJPywGnPhOsDn/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 — Overpass API capabilities are ready to use.
Configuration · claude_desktop_config.jsonCopy
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "overpass-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_zzdgleuR8jSsqRIakxavJFmaXkwVJPywGnPhOsDn/mcp"
    }
  }
}
Copy into chat04

  • Get all the way nodes for coffee shops in downtown Seattle in XML format.

  • Find the bounding box for the park in Brooklyn and give me the raw OSM data.

  • Extract all the highway tags within this specific coordinate range.

  • Pull the XML data for all water features in the London area.

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

Start here

Connect Overpass once, then ask.

Just click the link to connect. Your credentials stay encrypted, and you can start querying immediately in your preferred client.

Connect Overpass to your AI

FAQ

Common questions

  • 01

    Can the AI edit OpenStreetMap data?

    No. This connector is read-only and can only pull data from the OSM database.

  • 02

    What file format will I receive?

    The agent provides the data in XML format, which is standard for most GIS software.

  • 03

    Can the AI create new map features?

    No. The tool is designed for data extraction, not for contributing or changing map data.

  • 04

    Does the AI handle the Overpass QL syntax?

    Yes. You describe what you want in plain English, and the agent writes the query for you.

  • 05

    Can I download the data as a Shapefile?

    No. The agent provides raw XML. You will need to convert that to a Shapefile within your GIS software.

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

Connect Overpass API to Claude, Cursor, ChatGPT & more