Place ID MCP Server: Connecting AI Applications to Data Sources via Model Context Protocol

Overview: What is Place ID MCP Server?

The Place ID MCP Server is a specialized server that connects to the Google Places API to dynamically retrieve images of places and integrates these into Cursor using Smithery. This server allows AI applications such as Claude Desktop, Continue, and Cursor to access real-time image data for enhanced user experiences in AI workflows.

🔧 Core Features & MCP Capabilities

The Place ID MCP Server leverages advanced technologies like Node.js and Express.js, providing powerful APIs for fetching Google Places images directly from the platform. These features are crucial for maintaining a seamless and efficient workflow:

1. Image Retrieval: The server efficiently retrieves images using the Google Places API, ensuring high-quality photos are promptly served to users.
2. URL Handling: It processes redirections effectively to secure and direct images correctly, enhancing the integration process.
3. MCP Protocol Compliance: The server adheres strictly to the MCP protocol for JSON-RPC, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of AI applications like Cursor via Smithery.
4. Security Measures: Secure management of API keys is implemented through restrictions in place within Google Console.
5. Real-Time Data Sourcing: The ability to search for places ensures that users can access relevant imagery promptly.

⚙️ MCP Architecture & Protocol Implementation

At the heart of this server lies a robust architecture built to comply with the Model Context Protocol (MCP), which is akin to USB-C in versatility and utility. Compliance includes:

• Initialization: The initial handshake between the AI application and the server.
• Tool Execution: Running specific tools or services, such as place searches.
• Data Exchange: Secure and efficient exchange of data necessary for various operations.

MCP Protocol Flow Diagram

The flow diagram illustrates how the protocol functions from an AI application perspective, demonstrating the interactions seamlessly:

graph TD
    A[AI Application] -->|MCP Client| B[MCP Protocol]
    B --> C[MCP Server]
    C --> D[Data Source/Tool]
    style A fill:#e1f5fe
    style C fill:#f3e5f5
    style D fill:#e8f5e8

MCP Client Compatibility Matrix

This matrix outlines the compatibility of the Place ID MCP Server with various MCP clients:

MCP Client	Resources	Tools	Prompts
Claude Desktop	✅	✅	✅
Continue	✅	✅	✅
Cursor	❌	✅	❌

🚀 Getting Started with Installation

To get the Place ID MCP Server up and running, follow these steps:

1. Clone the Repository:

   git clone https://github.com/TimHub88/place-id-mcp-server.git
   cd place-id-mcp-server
   

2. Install Dependencies:

   npm install
   

3. Configure Environment Variables: Create a .env file at the root of your project and add your Google Places API key along with any other necessary settings, such as port specifications.

4. Start the Server:

   npm start
   

💡 Key Use Cases in AI Workflows

Real-Time Image Retrieval for Prototypes

AI applications can use this server to fetch images of places dynamically during the prototyping phase, ensuring that designs and models remain up-to-date with real-world locations.

Example Scenario: A UX designer using Cursor can request image data from Google Places directly, integrating these into their wireframes in real-time. This enhances visibility and realism in design decisions.

Enhanced User Experiences

In applications where user experience is paramount, having access to the latest imagery ensures a more engaging interaction with AI tools.

Example Scenario: In an augmented reality application, users can view up-to-date images of places within their virtual environment, improving navigation and interaction scenarios.

🔌 Integration with MCP Clients

Endpoint Definitions for REST API (MCP Over HTTP)

• Place Search Endpoint:

  {
    "success": true,
    "data": {
      "places": [
        {
          "name": "Tour Eiffel",
          "address": "Champ de Mars, 5 Av. Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France",
          "place_id": "ChIJLU7jZClu5kcR4PcOOO6p3I0",
          "photos": [
            {
              "photo_reference": "AUjq9jlXyV5A3sadj...",
              "width": 4000,
              "height": 6000,
              "html_attributions": ["..."]
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    }
  }
  

• Photo Retrieval Endpoint:

  {
    "success": true,
    "data": {
      "photoUrl": "https://url_de_la_photo.jpg"
    }
  }
  

JSON-RPC Methods for MCP

The server also supports the MCP JSON-RPC protocol, ensuring full compatibility with advanced AI tools:

• Initialize Endpoint:

  {
    "jsonrpc": "2.0",
    "method": "initialize",
    "params": {},
    "id": 1
  }
  

• Tools List and Execution:

  {
    "jsonrpc": "2.0",
    "method": "tools/list",
    "params": {},
    "id": 2
  }
  
  {
    "jsonrpc": "2.0",
    "method": "tools/execute",
    "params": {
      "tool": "searchPlaces",
      "params": {
        "query": "Eiffel Tower"
      }
    },
    "id": 3
  }
  

📊 Performance & Compatibility Matrix

The Place ID MCP Server performs well across multiple environments and is designed to work seamlessly with a variety of AI clients. Here’s a compatibility matrix:

Client	Compatible Tools
Claude Desktop	✅ All tools
Continue	✅ All tools
Cursor	✅ Core tools, no prompts

🛠️ Advanced Configuration & Security

Environment Setup

The .env file serves as the core configuration point for your environment variables. Ensure you have set up these variables correctly:

GOOGLE_PLACES_API_KEY=votre_clé_api
PORT=3000

Key Security Measures

• API Key Management: Securely handle API keys and apply restrictions in Google Console.
• Environment Variables: Store sensitive information using files, not hard-coded values.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Q: How does the integration work for Cursor tools?
   A: The Place ID MCP Server supports core tools in Cursor but does not provide prompts or enhanced functionalities beyond basic interaction.

2. Q: Is there a need to restrict API use by domain or IP address?
   A: Yes, apply restrictions on your Google API key to control how and where it's used, ensuring security.

3. Q: Can I change the port from 3000 dynamically?
   A: Yes, modify the PORT variable in the .env file as needed.

4. Q: How often should I expect updated images via this API?
   A: Images are refreshed based on Google Places updates and can be cached to reduce load times.

5. Q: Can I integrate this endpoint into my own AI application?
   A: Absolutely, follow the provided examples and adapt them to your specific requirements.

👨‍💻 Development & Contribution Guidelines

Contributions to enhance or improve the Place ID MCP Server are welcomed by the community:

1. Contribution Guidelines: Follow our guidelines for code contributions.
2. Issue Tracking: Use GitHub issues for reporting bugs, requesting features, and suggesting enhancements.
3. Pull Requests: Submit pull requests for any improvements you make.

Conclusion

The Place ID MCP Server is a powerful and versatile solution for connecting AI applications to dynamic image data sources directly from Google Places. By adhering to MCP protocols and leveraging robust integration capabilities, this server ensures seamless operations and enhanced user experiences across various applications.

For more information or to contribute, visit the GitHub repository or reach out to the community for support.