Side-by-Side Model Context Protocol Comparison
Arcgis Dc vs Arcgis Salem
In-depth architectural comparison of the Arcgis Dc and Arcgis Salem MCP servers. Compare execution transports, security boundaries, tool capabilities, quality scores, and ready-to-paste client installation snippets for Claude, Cursor, Windsurf, and VS Code.
At a Glance & Executive Verdict
Arcgis Dc
Location Services · Local stdio
Quality: 52/100 (Good) | Auth: No auth required
Arcgis Salem
Location Services · Local stdio
Quality: 52/100 (Good) | Auth: No auth required
Verdict Summary: Choose Arcgis Dc if you need specialized Location Services tools running via a local process. Choose Arcgis Salem if your workspace requires Location Services integration with local subprocess execution. Both servers can be configured concurrently in your client's
mcpServers manifest.Which MCP Server Should You Choose?
Choose Arcgis Dc when:
- You need dedicated capabilities in the Location Services domain.
- You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
- Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).
- Primary tools included: search_datasets, query_layer, layer_info.
Choose Arcgis Salem when:
- You need dedicated capabilities in the Location Services domain.
- You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
- Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).
- Primary tools included: search_datasets, query_layer, layer_info.
Feature & Specification Comparison
Tools & Capabilities Breakdown
Arcgis Dc Tools (3)
search_datasets
Search Washington DC GIS open geospatial datasets (parcels, zoning, addresses, transport & public works) by keyword. Returns each dataset's name, summary, record_count, owner/org, and its Feature Service `url` — pass that url to query_layer / layer_info.
query_layer
Query an ArcGIS Feature Service / Map Service layer by its url (from search_datasets). SQL-like `where`, comma-separated `out_fields`, `order_by`, `limit`, `offset`. Returns attribute rows (and geometry). Use where="1=1" + out_fields="*" to sample.
layer_info
Get an ArcGIS Feature/Map Service layer's schema by url: fields (name + type), geometry type, total record count, and capabilities.
Arcgis Salem Tools (3)
search_datasets
Search City of Salem GIS open geospatial datasets (parcels, zoning, public works & city services) by keyword. Returns each dataset's name, summary, record_count, owner/org, and its Feature Service `url` — pass that url to query_layer / layer_info.
Ready-to-Paste Client Configurations
Paste either (or both) of these JSON server blocks into your client config file (e.g. claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json).
Arcgis Dc Configuration
Arcgis Salem Configuration