set_active_df · Arcmap MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What set_active_df does on Arcmap

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why set_active_df needs a policy

This tool modifies the active state of the ArcMap session by changing which data frame is active and triggering a refresh. It is a reversible state change (you can switch back), so it falls under Write rather than Execute or Destructive. Misuse could disrupt ongoing GIS workflows but does not delete data or run arbitrary code.

From the tool's definition 'Fija el data frame activo por nombre y refresca' — sets (fixes/changes) the active data frame by name and refreshes the session state

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

set_active_df Rate-limited

set_active_df 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": {
    "set_active_df": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "set_active_df_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 Arcmap, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about set_active_df

What does the set_active_df tool do? +

Fija el data frame activo por nombre y refresca. Las tools que operan sobre 'el df. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Arcmap MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on set_active_df? +

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

What risk level is set_active_df? +

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

Can I rate-limit set_active_df? +

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

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

set_active_df is provided by the Arcmap MCP server (pedralcg/arcmap-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.