add_raster_layer

THE RISK

Medium Risk

Why add_raster_layer needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies project data by adding a raster layer, which is a reversible operation (layers can be removed or modified). It does not execute arbitrary code, delete data, or move money, placing it in the Write category. Severity is medium because misuse could corrupt or clutter a QGIS project, but the effect is reversible and localized to the project's layer stack.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'add_raster_layer' and description 'Add a raster layer to the project' indicate creation/modification of project state by adding a new layer resource.

Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access add_raster_layer gives an agent:

POLICY

How to control add_raster_layer

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and QGIS MCP Server, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for add_raster_layer:

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "add_raster_layer": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "add_raster_layer_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

add_raster_layer stays usable, but capped — an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

Create a free account and register QGIS MCP Server — nothing to install.
Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

Related tools and policies

More QGIS MCP Server tools

Destructive remove_layer Remove a layer from the project by its ID. Execute execute_code Execute arbitrary PyQGIS code provided as a string. Execute execute_processing Execute a processing algorithm with the given parameters. Execute zoom_to_layer Zoom to the extent of a specified layer. Write load_project Load a QGIS project from the specified path. Write render_map Render the current map view to an image file with the specified dimensions. Write add_vector_layer Add a vector layer to the project. Write create_new_project Create a new project a save it

All 15 QGIS MCP Server tools →

Write tools on other servers

M-Team MCP Server download_torrent YouTube MCP Server generate_video_title Android Forensics ADB MCP Server combine_reports 0xarchive web3_signup

Go deeper

The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Argument validation → Checking tool call arguments against schema and policy before they run.
Scoped token → Per-person credentials that grant a defined subset of servers and tools.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →

FAQ

Questions about add_raster_layer

What does the add_raster_layer tool do? +

Add a raster layer to the project. It is categorised as a Write tool in the QGIS MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on add_raster_layer? +

Register the QGIS MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for add_raster_layer: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches QGIS MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is add_raster_layer? +

add_raster_layer is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit add_raster_layer? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the add_raster_layer rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.

How do I block add_raster_layer completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for add_raster_layer. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.

What MCP server provides add_raster_layer? +

add_raster_layer is provided by the QGIS MCP Server MCP server (jjsantos01/qgis_mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every QGIS MCP Server tool call.

Start from QGIS MCP Server, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.

CHECK YOUR STACK →