export_atlas · QGIS MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What export_atlas does on QGIS MCP

AI agents use export_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 export_atlas needs a policy

The tool exports atlas data, which involves creating and writing new files to the system. This is a Write operation as it generates output artifacts rather than executing arbitrary code or irreversibly deleting data. However, the 'high' severity reflects that an AI agent could export large volumes of data or export sensitive GIS information without proper authorization.

From the tool's definition export_atlas: Export a configured atlas. format - creates and writes atlas output files in the specified format, modifying the filesystem with generated export artifacts

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

export_atlas Rate-limited

export_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": {
    "export_atlas": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "export_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 export_atlas

What does the export_atlas tool do? +

Export a configured atlas. format. 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 export_atlas? +

Register the QGIS MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for export_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 export_atlas? +

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

Can I rate-limit export_atlas? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the export_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 export_atlas completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for export_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 export_atlas? +

export_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.