• DATA
  • GEO
  • LIST
  • HUMAN

How to convert postal codes to GPS coordinates with your AI

Connect Zippopotam.us to your AI client to turn simple zip code lists into map-ready coordinates.

Ask AI about this page

Short answer

How can I turn zip codes into latitude and longitude?

Your AI uses the get_location_by_postal_code tool to look up specific coordinates for any postal code you input. This turns a text list into a dataset you can drop straight into a map. You'll get precise latitude and longitude values for every entry.

The results of your request

Where your data lands

Once you give your AI a list of postal codes, it handles the lookup and organizes the data.

DATA

Coordinate pairs

The AI pulls the exact latitude and longitude for every zip code provided. You get a clean set of numbers ready for mapping software.

GEO

Place names

The tool returns the specific city and state associated with each code. This helps you verify the location matches your expectations.

LIST

Formatted datasets

Your AI can structure these coordinates into a CSV, a JSON object, or a simple table. You decide how the final list looks.

HUMAN

Manual verification

You review the output to ensure the coordinates align with your specific project needs. The AI provides the data, but you confirm the accuracy.

The workflow

What your AI does when the postal codes arrive.

The AI acts as the bridge between your text and the Zippopotam.us database.

  1. Parse the list

    Your AI reads through your message or uploaded file to identify every postal code you've included.

    get_location_by_postal_code

  2. Fetch coordinates

    The AI calls the tool for each individual code to grab the latitude and longitude.

    get_location_by_postal_code

  3. Match locations

    It pairs the coordinates with the corresponding city and state names from the database.

    get_location_by_postal_code

  4. Format output

    The AI organizes the raw data into the specific structure you requested for your map or spreadsheet.

    get_location_by_postal_code

Try it

Copy these to start.

Use these prompts to trigger the conversion process immediately.

Starting points

Replace the bracketed text with your actual data, like a specific list of zip codes or a filename.

Zippopotam.us Connector

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

Connector linkhttps://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_NLPd3qHtXaIgqvL9hmOUq9oZ5rRm4nvhR6G9FRBA/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 — Zippopotam.us capabilities are ready to use.
Configuration · claude_desktop_config.jsonCopy
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "zippopotamus-alternative-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_NLPd3qHtXaIgqvL9hmOUq9oZ5rRm4nvhR6G9FRBA/mcp"
    }
  }
}
Copy into chat04

  • Convert this list of zip codes into a table with latitude and longitude: [insert zip codes]

  • Find the GPS coordinates for the postal codes in my spreadsheet: [filename.csv]

  • Get the latitude and longitude for these zip codes and format them as a JSON object: [insert zip codes]

  • Look up the location data for the zip codes in this text: [paste text containing zip codes]

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Start here

Connect Zippopotam.us once, then ask.

One click connects this MCP to your AI client. Your credentials stay encrypted, and you can start asking for coordinates right away.

Connect Zippopotam.us to your AI

FAQ

How the task behaves

  • 01

    Can the AI convert street addresses to coordinates?

    No. This tool only works with postal codes.

  • 02

    Will the AI update my original spreadsheet file?

    No. The AI generates new data based on your request; it does not modify your local files directly.

  • 03

    Does it work for international postal codes?

    The tool is limited to the specific countries supported by the Zippopotam.us database.

  • 04

    Can I ask the AI to plot these points on a map?

    The AI can provide the coordinates and the data, but you must use a separate mapping tool to visualize them.

  • 05

    Can the AI fix typos in my zip code list?

    No. If a zip code is invalid or doesn't exist in the database, the tool will return no result for that specific entry.

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

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