Before you start: only 4M Admins can turn on the 4M Data MCP. If you’re an Admin, reach out to your account manager to enable it for your organization. If you’re not, ask your 4M Admin to set you up or request 4M Data MCP from the account manager.
MCP (Model Context Protocol) is an open standard that lets AI tools connect to outside systems. The 4M Data MCP connects 4M's utility data directly to the AI tools your team already uses, like Claude, ChatGPT, Copilot, Cursor, and VS Code. Ask about a location and get utility owners, right-of-way exposure, crossings, and a written risk summary back in the same conversation, without exporting files or switching tools.
Step 1: Generate Your MCP Key
Log in to 4Map and click on your initials in the top-right corner.
Select WFS & API Keys from the navigation dropdown.
Open the MCP tab and click Create New Key.
Fill in the following fields:
Key name (optional): add a label like Claude_Sarah for clarity.
Expiration date (optional): useful for temporary access or shared credentials.
Click Create Key.
In the Your MCP key is ready window, copy your API key and the MCP client config, then click Done.
Step 2: Connect 4M to Your AI Tool
The MCP client config from Step 1 already includes the 4M server address and your key:
{
"mcpServers": {
"4m": {
"url": "https://mcp.4map.4manalytics.com/mcp",
"headers": {
"x-account-key": "<YOUR_KEY>"
}
}
}
}
Claude Desktop:
Go to Settings → Connectors → Add custom connector.
Search for 4M Data MCP or Paste the server URL: https://mcp.4map.4manalytics.com/mcp
Add a custom header named x-account-key, with your MCP key as the value.
Save, then start a new chat.
Cursor: open ~/.cursor/mcp.json, paste the MCP client config, and restart Cursor.
VS Code: open .vscode/mcp.json and paste the config with two changes: rename mcpServers to servers, and add "type": "http" to the 4m entry.
Claude Code: run the following command:
claude mcp add --transport http 4m-data https://mcp.4map.4manalytics.com/mcp \
--header "x-account-key: YOUR_KEY"
ChatGPT, Copilot, and your own agents: any tool that supports remote MCP servers with a custom header works. Use the server URL above and add the x-account-key header with your key.
Check your connection: ask your AI tool, "Run the 4M echo tool." If you get a response, you're connected.
Technical Specifications
Server URL: https://mcp.4map.4manalytics.com/mcp
Authentication: your MCP key, in a header named x-account-key
Area limits: each request covers one area within a single US state, up to your organization's size limit and 1,000 shape points
Access: read-only for existing projects. The MCP can also create a new project for an area upon request.
Launch offer: existing 4M customers can use the 4M Data MCP free from Nov 4 through Dec 31, 2026.
Need access to the 4M Data MCP? Reach out to your account manager to get your organization set up.