Workflows as MCP Tools

Workflows are the foundation for creating MCP Tools in CARTO. Each tool exposed through the CARTO MCP Server is powered by a workflow that defines how spatial problems are solved, the data required as input, and the results returned to the AI Agent.

This page explains how to configure workflows for MCP, including how to define outputs, write clear tool descriptions, and keep tools in sync as you make updates. By following these steps, you ensure that your AI Agents can reliably use the tools you create to answer geospatial questions.

Create a Workflow

Each MCP Tool is backed by a Workflow. For every type of question or task you want the agent to answer, you will need to create a dedicated Workflow.

Define the Output

Use the MCP Tool Output component in Workflows to define the expected output of the tool.

• Select Sync mode if the workflow returns results immediately.

• Select Async mode if the workflow requires longer processing time and results are retrieved after execution.

Writing Descriptions and Enabling the Tool

Click on the three-dot options button in the top-right corner to access the MCP Tool dialog.

Once in the dialog:

• Write a clear description that explains the purpose of the tool.

• Define all input parameters with explicit names and descriptions.

• Enable the tool so it can be exposed through the MCP Server.

Propagating Changes

When you make updates to a workflow, ensure you sync the workflow. This propagates the changes to the MCP Tool so the AI Agent always uses the latest version.

Provide your Agent with access to Workflows MCP Tools

Once Workflows is enabled as an MCP Tool, you can give your Agents in CARTO or outside CARTO access to it.

To learn how to connect to the CARTO MCP Server and use your MCP Tools in other MCP-compliant agentic applications, see this section.

If you want to provide access to the Workflows MCP Tool to an AI Agent in CARTO, review this section of the documentation.