Google Maps
Location services, directions, and place details
what is Google Maps?
Google Maps is a location services API that provides directions, place details, and geographic data to enhance applications with mapping functionalities.
how to use Google Maps?
To use the Google Maps API, you need to obtain an API key from Google and then integrate it into your application by configuring it according to your needs. You can access various functionalities such as geocoding, searching for places, and getting directions.
key features of Google Maps?
- Geolocation services for converting addresses to coordinates and vice versa
- Search and retrieve detailed information about places
- Calculate distances and times between locations
- Get directions for different modes of transport
- Elevation data for specified locations
use cases of Google Maps?
- Developing navigation software for personal and commercial use
- Real estate applications for displaying property locations
- Transportation logistics to calculate routes and delivery times
- Event planning tools for location-based services
FAQ from Google Maps?
- How do I get a Google Maps API key?
You can get a Google Maps API key by following the instructions found on the Google Maps documentation site.
- What types of services does the Google Maps API provide?
The Google Maps API offers various services including geocoding, place searching, distance matrix calculations, directions, and elevation data.
- Is there a cost associated with using Google Maps?
Google Maps has a pay-as-you-go pricing model, where costs depend on the usage and the specific services you access.
Google Maps MCP Server
MCP Server for the Google Maps API.
Tools
-
maps_geocode- Convert address to coordinates
- Input:
address(string) - Returns: location, formatted_address, place_id
-
maps_reverse_geocode- Convert coordinates to address
- Inputs:
latitude(number)longitude(number)
- Returns: formatted_address, place_id, address_components
-
maps_search_places- Search for places using text query
- Inputs:
query(string)location(optional): { latitude: number, longitude: number }radius(optional): number (meters, max 50000)
- Returns: array of places with names, addresses, locations
-
maps_place_details- Get detailed information about a place
- Input:
place_id(string) - Returns: name, address, contact info, ratings, reviews, opening hours
-
maps_distance_matrix- Calculate distances and times between points
- Inputs:
origins(string[])destinations(string[])mode(optional): "driving" | "walking" | "bicycling" | "transit"
- Returns: distances and durations matrix
-
maps_elevation- Get elevation data for locations
- Input:
locations(array of {latitude, longitude}) - Returns: elevation data for each point
-
maps_directions- Get directions between points
- Inputs:
origin(string)destination(string)mode(optional): "driving" | "walking" | "bicycling" | "transit"
- Returns: route details with steps, distance, duration
Setup
API Key
Get a Google Maps API key by following the instructions here.
Usage with Claude Desktop
Add the following to your claude_desktop_config.json:
Docker
{
"mcpServers": {
"google-maps": {
"command": "docker",
"args": [
"run",
"-i",
"--rm",
"-e",
"GOOGLE_MAPS_API_KEY",
"mcp/google-maps"
],
"env": {
"GOOGLE_MAPS_API_KEY": "<YOUR_API_KEY>"
}
}
}
}
NPX
{
"mcpServers": {
"google-maps": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@modelcontextprotocol/server-google-maps"
],
"env": {
"GOOGLE_MAPS_API_KEY": "<YOUR_API_KEY>"
}
}
}
}
Build
Docker build:
docker build -t mcp/google-maps -f src/google-maps/Dockerfile .
License
This MCP server is licensed under the MIT License. This means you are free to use, modify, and distribute the software, subject to the terms and conditions of the MIT License. For more details, please see the LICENSE file in the project repository.
