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OpenStreetMap (OSM) Tools Overview

SkyFi MCP Server provides 8 specialized tools for accessing OpenStreetMap's comprehensive geospatial database for geocoding, search, and geographic analysis.

What is OpenStreetMap?​

OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a collaborative, open-source mapping platform that provides free geographic data worldwide. It's maintained by a global community and offers comprehensive, up-to-date geographic information including addresses, points of interest, and detailed geographic features.

Key Advantages​

  • Global Coverage - Worldwide geographic data
  • No Usage Limits - No API quotas or rate restrictions
  • High Accuracy - Community-maintained, precise data
  • Real-Time Updates - Continuously updated by contributors
  • Rich Business Data - Comprehensive POI and business information

OSM Tools Categories​

Geocoding Tools (3 tools)​

Convert between addresses and coordinates with high accuracy and global coverage.

ToolDescriptionPrimary Use
osm_forward_geocodeConvert address to coordinatesFind location coordinates
osm_reverse_geocodeConvert coordinates to addressGet address from coordinates
osm_batch_geocodeGeocode multiple addressesProcess address lists efficiently

Geocoding Workflow:

graph LR
    A[Address/Place] --> B[osm_forward_geocode]
    B --> C[Coordinates]
    C --> D[osm_reverse_geocode]
    D --> E[Detailed Address]
    
    F[Address List] --> G[osm_batch_geocode]
    G --> H[Coordinate List]

Search & Discovery (2 tools)​

Find points of interest and businesses in specific geographic areas.

ToolDescriptionPrimary Use
osm_search_nearby_poisFind POIs near a locationDiscover local services and amenities
osm_search_businessesSearch for specific businessesFind commercial locations and services

Search Workflow:

graph TB
    A[Location/Coordinates] --> B[osm_search_nearby_pois]
    B --> C[Local POIs]
    
    D[Business Query] --> E[osm_search_businesses]
    E --> F[Matching Businesses]
    
    C --> G[Context Information]
    F --> G[Context Information]

Geometry & Analysis (3 tools)​

Create geographic areas and perform spatial analysis for satellite imagery workflows.

ToolDescriptionPrimary Use
osm_generate_aoiGenerate Area of InterestCreate boundaries for satellite searches
osm_create_bounding_boxCreate rectangular boundariesDefine search and analysis areas
osm_calculate_distanceCalculate distances between pointsMeasure spatial relationships

Geometry Workflow:

graph TB
    A[Center Point] --> B[osm_generate_aoi]
    B --> C[Circular/Polygon AOI]
    
    D[Corner Points] --> E[osm_create_bounding_box]
    E --> F[Rectangular Boundary]
    
    G[Point A] --> H[osm_calculate_distance]
    I[Point B] --> H
    H --> J[Distance Measurement]

Common OSM Workflows​

1. Location Discovery & Geocoding​

Scenario: Converting addresses to coordinates for satellite imagery search

1. osm_forward_geocode → Convert "Central Park, NYC" to coordinates
2. osm_reverse_geocode → Verify and get detailed address info
3. osm_search_nearby_pois → Find context (nearby landmarks)
4. osm_generate_aoi → Create search area for satellite imagery

2. Business Intelligence & Analysis​

Scenario: Analyzing commercial locations and their spatial relationships

1. osm_search_businesses → Find all "coffee shops" in Seattle
2. osm_batch_geocode → Get coordinates for all locations
3. osm_calculate_distance → Measure distances between locations
4. osm_create_bounding_box → Define analysis area

3. Area Definition for Satellite Imagery​

Scenario: Creating precise search areas for satellite imagery workflows

1. osm_forward_geocode → Find target location coordinates
2. osm_generate_aoi → Create circular or custom AOI
3. Pass AOI to skyfi_archive_search → Find satellite imagery
4. osm_search_nearby_pois → Add context to imagery analysis

OSM Tool Features​

Universal OSM Features​

All OSM tools in the SkyFi MCP Server include:

  • No Authentication Required - Direct access to OSM data
  • Global Coverage - Worldwide geographic information
  • High Accuracy - Community-verified data quality
  • Real-Time Data - Current geographic information
  • No Rate Limits - Unlimited usage for reasonable requests

Geocoding Features​

  • Multi-Language Support - Addresses in various languages
  • Business Recognition - Understands business names and brands
  • Landmark Recognition - Famous places and points of interest
  • Global Address Formats - Supports international address styles
  • Confidence Scoring - Quality indicators for results

Search Features​

  • Category Search - Find by business type or amenity
  • Radius Control - Configurable search distances
  • Precise Filtering - Detailed search criteria
  • Rich Metadata - Detailed business and POI information
  • Hierarchical Results - Organized by relevance and distance

Geometry Features​

  • Multiple AOI Types - Circular, rectangular, and custom polygons
  • Distance Calculations - Great circle and planar distance methods
  • Precise Coordinates - High-precision geographic coordinates
  • Area Calculations - Surface area measurements
  • Map Projection Support - Various coordinate systems

OSM Tools by Use Case​

Converting between addresses and coordinates:

Primary Tools:

  • osm_forward_geocode - Address to coordinates
  • osm_reverse_geocode - Coordinates to address
  • osm_batch_geocode - Multiple address processing

Best For:

  • Data cleanup and standardization
  • Location validation and verification
  • Coordinate system conversions
  • Address database enrichment
  • Map integration and display

Example Queries:

  • "123 Main Street, Springfield, IL"
  • "Eiffel Tower, Paris"
  • "Times Square, New York"
  • "37.7749, -122.4194"

OSM Best Practices​

1. Geocoding Optimization​

  • Be specific - Include city, state/country for better accuracy
  • Use landmarks - Well-known places often geocode more accurately
  • Verify results - Use reverse geocoding to confirm accuracy
  • Handle batch processing - Use osm_batch_geocode for multiple addresses

2. Search Efficiency​

  • Use appropriate radius - Balance coverage with result relevance
  • Filter by category - Use specific business types for targeted results
  • Check result quality - Review returned metadata for relevance
  • Combine searches - Use multiple search tools for comprehensive coverage

3. Geometry Accuracy​

  • Choose appropriate AOI size - Match area size to intended use
  • Consider coordinate systems - Ensure compatibility with satellite imagery tools
  • Validate boundaries - Check that AOI covers intended area
  • Use consistent units - Maintain unit consistency across calculations

4. Integration with SkyFi​

  • Geocode first - Always validate locations before satellite searches
  • Create appropriate AOIs - Size areas appropriately for imagery resolution
  • Add context - Use POI searches to understand area characteristics
  • Verify coverage - Ensure AOI boundaries align with imagery availability

Detailed Tool Documentation​

Geocoding Tools​

  • Forward Geocoding (coming soon) - Convert addresses to coordinates
  • Reverse Geocoding (coming soon) - Convert coordinates to addresses
  • Batch Geocoding (coming soon) - Process multiple addresses

Search Tools​

  • Search Nearby POIs (coming soon) - Find local points of interest
  • Search Businesses (coming soon) - Find specific businesses

Geometry Tools​

  • Generate AOI (coming soon) - Create areas of interest
  • Create Bounding Box (coming soon) - Define rectangular boundaries
  • Calculate Distance (coming soon) - Measure geographic distances

Integration Patterns​

OSM → SkyFi Workflow​

1. osm_forward_geocode → Find target location
2. osm_generate_aoi → Create search area
3. skyfi_archive_search → Find satellite imagery
4. osm_search_nearby_pois → Add context

Complete Analysis Workflow​

1. osm_batch_geocode → Process location list
2. osm_calculate_distance → Analyze spatial relationships
3. osm_create_bounding_box → Define analysis boundary
4. skyfi_archive_search → Find relevant imagery
5. osm_search_businesses → Add commercial context

Data Validation Workflow​

1. osm_forward_geocode → Convert address to coordinates
2. osm_reverse_geocode → Verify address accuracy
3. osm_search_nearby_pois → Validate location context
4. Proceed with confidence to satellite imagery tools

OSM Data Quality​

Accuracy Indicators​

  • Urban Areas - Generally very high accuracy and detail
  • Rural Areas - Good coverage with community-maintained data
  • International - Quality varies by region and contributor activity
  • Business Data - Regularly updated by community and business owners

Data Freshness​

  • Real-Time Updates - Changes appear quickly in urban areas
  • Community Driven - Quality depends on local contributor activity
  • Business Hours - May not always be current
  • Seasonal Variations - Some data may be seasonally relevant
Quick Start

New to OSM tools? Start with osm_forward_geocode to convert any address to coordinates, then use osm_generate_aoi to create search areas for satellite imagery!

OpenStreetMap Community

Learn more about OpenStreetMap and contribute to the project at openstreetmap.org. The data you use is maintained by volunteers worldwide!