configure_atlas · QGIS MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What configure_atlas does on QGIS MCP

AI agents use configure_atlas 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 configure_atlas needs a policy

Configuring an atlas/print layout is a reversible write operation that modifies the state of a QGIS project (layout properties, settings). It does not delete data (Destructive), does not move money (Financial), and does not directly execute arbitrary code (Execute). While it affects project state, the changes can be undone through normal QGIS operations.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'configure_atlas' and description 'Configure a print layout' indicates modification of print layout configuration settings.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

configure_atlas Rate-limited

configure_atlas 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": {
    "configure_atlas": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "configure_atlas_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 configure_atlas

What does the configure_atlas tool do? +

Configure a print layout. 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 configure_atlas? +

Register the QGIS MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for configure_atlas: 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 configure_atlas? +

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

Can I rate-limit configure_atlas? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the configure_atlas 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 configure_atlas completely? +

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

configure_atlas 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.