Add Open Ecology to GitHub Copilot in VS Code

01Install

1. In your project, create the file .vscode/mcp.json with this content. To use Open Ecology in every project instead, run MCP: Add Server from the Command Palette, choose HTTP, paste the URL and pick Global.

{
  "servers": {
    "openecology": {
      "type": "http",
      "url": "https://openecology.com.au/mcp"
    }
  }
}

2. Save the file. Select Start above the server entry, and confirm that you trust the server when VS Code asks.

   vscode-01Screenshot: mcp.json open in the editor, with Start above the openecology entry

3. Open the Chat view and choose Agent mode.

02Confirm it's installed

In the chat input, select the Configure Tools button: the openecology server and its seven tools should be listed and ticked. MCP: List Servers in the Command Palette should show openecology as running.

Then start a new chat and ask:

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?