How do I install the nominatim mcp server?

Use a recorded configuration for your client, replace example credential values and paths, and verify the documented runtime. Restart or reconnect the client, then inspect the available tools.

What credentials does it need?

It reads `MCP_TRANSPORT_TYPE`, `MCP_LOG_LEVEL`, `OSM_NOMINATIM_BASE_URL`, `OSM_OVERPASS_BASE_URL`, `MCP_HTTP_ENDPOINT_PATH`, `MCP_PUBLIC_URL` from the environment. Store these in your client's env block or a secrets manager — never commit them to a repository — and grant the narrowest scope that still covers your use case.

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Nominatim MCP Server

Geocoding, reverse geocoding, and spatial queries via OpenStreetMap Nominatim and Overpass

Remote serverstreamable-http

What is the Nominatim MCP Server?

Geocoding, reverse geocoding, and spatial queries via OpenStreetMap Nominatim and Overpass

The short version

Declarative tool definitions — single file per tool, framework handles registration and validation
Unified error handling across all tools
Pluggable auth (none, jwt, oauth)
Swappable storage backends: in-memory, filesystem, Supabase, Cloudflare KV/R2/D1
Structured logging with optional OpenTelemetry tracing
Runs locally (stdio/HTTP) or on Cloudflare Workers from the same codebase

What it needs from you

Bun v1.3.0 or higher (or Node.js ≥24.0.0). - No API key required — Nominatim and Overpass are public APIs. For heavy use, consider pointing OSM_NOMINATIM_BASE_URL and OSM_OVERPASS_BASE_URL at self-hosted or mirror instances.

More MCP options

Compare MCP servers by category, or browse hosted MCP servers if you prefer an endpoint over a local process.

Maintainer setup documentation.

Recorded tools

Check the linked publisher documentation and your connected client's tool list. Names and availability can vary with the server version and account permissions.

Tool	What it does
openstreetmap_search_places	Convert a place name or address to geographic coordinates and structured place data
openstreetmap_reverse_geocode	Convert latitude/longitude coordinates to the nearest address or place name
openstreetmap_lookup_objects	Fetch address details for one or more known OSM objects by their IDs
openstreetmap_query_nearby	Find OSM features within a radius around a geographic point
openstreetmap_query_bbox	Find OSM features within a rectangular bounding box
openstreetmap_query_raw	Execute a raw Overpass QL query for advanced spatial operations

How to install the Nominatim MCP Server

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "openstreetmap-mcp-server": {
      "type": "stdio",
      "command": "bunx",
      "args": ["@cyanheads/openstreetmap-mcp-server@latest"],
      "env": {
        "MCP_TRANSPORT_TYPE": "stdio",
        "MCP_LOG_LEVEL": "info"
      }
    }
  }
}

Configuration as documented by the project. Restart the client after saving.

Configuration

Bun v1.3.0 or higher (or Node.js ≥24.0.0). - No API key required — Nominatim and Overpass are public APIs. For heavy use, consider pointing OSM_NOMINATIM_BASE_URL and OSM_OVERPASS_BASE_URL at self-hosted or mirror instances.

Variable	Description	Required
MCP_TRANSPORT_TYPE	Configuration value read at startup.	Optional
MCP_LOG_LEVEL	Configuration value read at startup.	Optional
OSM_NOMINATIM_BASE_URL	Endpoint or connection string the server talks to.	Yes
OSM_OVERPASS_BASE_URL	Endpoint or connection string the server talks to.	Yes
MCP_HTTP_ENDPOINT_PATH	Filesystem location the server is allowed to use.	Optional
MCP_PUBLIC_URL	Endpoint or connection string the server talks to.	Yes

Example prompts to try

“Use Nominatim to openstreetmap search places.”
“Use Nominatim to openstreetmap reverse geocode.”
“Use Nominatim to openstreetmap lookup objects.”

Frequently asked questions

Geocoding, reverse geocoding, and spatial queries via OpenStreetMap Nominatim and Overpass Confirm the tools offered by your installed version in the connected client. Tool availability and permissions depend on the server and account configuration.