export_layer · QGIS MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What export_layer does on QGIS MCP

AI agents use export_layer 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_layer needs a policy

This tool creates new files on disk by exporting geospatial data. It is reversible (exported files can be deleted), so it qualifies as Write rather than Destructive. The severity is medium because misuse could fill disk space, overwrite existing files, or export sensitive geospatial data to unintended locations, but the impact is limited to file creation/modification rather than deletion or execution of arbitrary…

From the tool's definition Tool name 'export_layer' and description 'Export vector/raster to disk; format from output_path extension' indicate the tool writes data to disk in a specified format.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

export_layer Rate-limited

export_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.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "export_layer": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "export_layer_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_layer

What does the export_layer tool do? +

Export vector/raster to disk; format from output_path extension. 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_layer? +

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

What risk level is export_layer? +

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

Can I rate-limit export_layer? +

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

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

export_layer 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.