• RAW DATA
  • LEGACY
  • SPATIAL
  • HUMAN

How to run legacy XAPI queries with your AI

Connect Overpass to your AI client to pull raw spatial data. Once connected, your agent handles the query execution and data retrieval.

Ask AI about this page

Short answer

How do I run legacy XAPI queries with my AI?

Your agent uses the execute_xapi tool to send spatial queries to Overpass and returns the raw XML results. You get the exact data needed for legacy mapping systems.

The results you get

Where your data lands

The AI handles the query logic and data fetching.

RAW DATA

Direct XML output

The AI pulls the exact XML structure requested. You get the raw data without any middle-man formatting changes.

LEGACY

Old system compatibility

The agent retrieves data specifically formatted for older spatial tools. This bridges the gap between modern AI and legacy maps.

SPATIAL

Geographic context

Your agent processes spatial queries to find specific coordinates or features. It translates your natural language into the required query format.

HUMAN

Manual verification

You must review the XML output to ensure it meets your specific mapping system requirements. The AI cannot verify if the XML is compatible with your local software.

The workflow

What your AI does when a query arrives.

The AI acts as the bridge between your text instructions and the Overpass API.

  1. Translate intent

    Your agent takes your plain English request and converts it into a valid XAPI query string.

    execute_xapi

  2. Execute query

    The AI sends the formatted query to the Overpass service to fetch the spatial data.

    execute_xapi

  3. Retrieve XML

    The agent captures the raw XML response sent back from the Overpass endpoint.

    execute_xapi

  4. Present results

    The AI delivers the raw XML data to your chat window for you to copy or use.

    execute_xapi

Try it

Copy these to start.

Use these prompts to trigger your first spatial query.

Starting points

Replace the bracketed text with your specific geographic features or query parameters.

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

  • Run an XAPI query to find all hospitals in Berlin and return the raw XML.

  • Execute an XAPI query for the bounding box of London to get the XML data.

  • Get the XML data for all transit stations in Manhattan using an XAPI query.

  • Run a legacy XAPI query to retrieve the raw XML for all parks in Paris.

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

Start here

Connect Overpass once, then ask.

Click the link to connect the MCP to your client. Your credentials stay encrypted, and you can start querying immediately.

Connect Overpass to your AI

FAQ

How this task behaves

  • 01

    Can the AI change the Overpass database?

    No. The tool only executes queries to retrieve data; it cannot modify any spatial information.

  • 02

    Will the AI format the XML into a table?

    The tool is designed to return raw XML for legacy compatibility. While the AI can summarize the data, the primary output is the raw XML.

  • 03

    Does the AI handle the query syntax?

    Yes. You provide the intent in plain English, and the AI handles the XAPI syntax.

  • 04

    Can the AI run non-XAPI queries?

    No. This specific capability is limited to the execute_xapi tool.

  • 05

    Can the AI upload this XML to my mapping software?

    No. The AI retrieves the data and presents it to you. You must manually move the XML into your mapping system.

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

Connect Overpass API to Claude, Cursor, ChatGPT & more