Open Ecology

Install ChatGPT

Add Open Ecology to ChatGPT

ChatGPT connects to outside MCP servers through developer mode. You add Open Ecology once as an MCP app, then switch it on in the chats where you want it.

Plans: Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise and Edu, on the web at chatgpt.com; the Free plan has no developer mode.

Work accounts: on Business, Enterprise and Edu workspaces an admin controls developer mode. If the switch is missing, ask your workspace admin to allow it, or to add Open Ecology once and publish it to the workspace so members can use it without repeating these steps.

Open Ecology MCP server URL
https://openecology.com.au/mcp

01Install

  1. Open chatgpt.com in a browser and sign in. Developer mode is set up on the web, not in the mobile apps.
  2. Open Settings, then Security and login, and switch Developer mode on.
    Settings, Security and login, with the Developer mode switch on
  3. Go to the Plugins page and select the plus (+) button to create an MCP app.
    The Plugins page, with the plus button that creates an MCP app
  4. Fill in the form:
    • Name: Open Ecology
    • Description: Australian property facts with sources: lot on plan, area, council, coordinates and State report links.
    • Connection: Public endpoint, then paste the server URL above.
    • Authentication: No authentication.
    • Icon (optional): save our icon and upload it, so Open Ecology shows with its leaf in your app list.
    Select Create.
    The completed form: name, description, the server URL and No authentication
  5. ChatGPT reads the server and lists the tools it found. Check that seven tools appear, including lookup_property.
    The Open Ecology app page listing its tools
  6. Start a new chat. Open the + menu in the message box, choose Developer mode and switch on Open Ecology for that conversation.
    In a new chat: the + menu, Developer mode, Open Ecology switched on

Keeping it current: when we add or change tools, open the Open Ecology app on the Plugins page and select Refresh, then start a new chat. ChatGPT keeps the old tool list until you do.

02Confirm it's installed

On the Plugins page, select Open Ecology to open its app page, which should list seven tools: lookup_property, convert_coordinates, convert_units, sun_and_moon, state_report_links, glossary and get_coverage.

Then start a new chat and ask:

What lot is 12 Sunbury Drive, Peachester, and how big is it?

A correct answer names lot 55 on SP168934, a recorded area of about 2.17 ha and Sunshine Coast Regional Council, and cites the Queensland Government cadastre as the source.

03Try these

Each of these runs on the free tools. If your assistant answers from the web instead, start the prompt with "Use Open Ecology to".

  • Official reports for a lot
    Which free Queensland Government reports should I request for lot 55SP168934, and where do I order them?
  • GPS point to MGA2020
    Convert -26.84, 152.84 to MGA2020 zone, easting and northing.
  • Sunrise and sunset for a field day
    What time are sunrise and sunset at Peachester, Queensland next Saturday, and what is the moon phase? I'm planning a spotlighting survey.
  • Plain definitions
    In plain terms, what are MSES and HVR in Queensland?

Instructions checked 5 October 2026 against OpenAI, ChatGPT developer mode; OpenAI, Connect and test your plugin; OpenAI Help, Developer mode and MCP apps in ChatGPT. Menus change often, so if a step does not match what you see, email hello@openecology.com.au and we will update this page.