add_features · QGIS MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What add_features does on QGIS MCP

AI agents use add_features to create or update resources in QGIS MCP — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your QGIS MCP environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why add_features needs a policy

This tool creates new geographic features (vector data) in a GIS layer, which is a reversible write operation. While it modifies the project state, it does not delete or destroy data (thus not Destructive), execute arbitrary code (thus not Execute), nor involve financial transactions.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'add_features' and description explicitly state it adds features to a vector layer with attributes and field-value pairs, indicating data creation and modification.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

add_features Rate-limited

add_features 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.

View as policy code

policy.json

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

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches QGIS MCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about add_features

What does the add_features tool do? +

Add features to a vector layer. Each feature: {attributes: {field: value},. It is categorised as a Write tool in the QGIS MCP 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_features? +

Register the QGIS MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for add_features: 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. Nothing to install.

What risk level is add_features? +

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

Can I rate-limit add_features? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the add_features 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_features completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for add_features. 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_features? +

add_features is provided by the QGIS MCP server (nkarasiak/qgis-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.