webmap_create · ArcGIS MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What webmap_create does on ArcGIS MCP

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why webmap_create needs a policy

Creating webmaps is a reversible data modification operation—new webmaps can be deleted or modified afterward. This is a Write-category action. Severity is medium because creating unauthorized webmaps could clutter the system, share sensitive geographic data, or be used for social engineering, but the impact is limited without accompanying permissions to publish widely or access restricted content.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'webmap_create' directly indicates creation of a new webmap resource in ArcGIS; the pattern aligns with other write operations on this server (item management capability mentioned in server description).

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

webmap_create Rate-limited

webmap_create 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": {
    "webmap_create": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "webmap_create_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 ArcGIS MCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about webmap_create

What does the webmap_create tool do? +

webmap_create. It is categorised as a Write tool in the ArcGIS 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 webmap_create? +

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

What risk level is webmap_create? +

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

Can I rate-limit webmap_create? +

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

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

webmap_create is provided by the ArcGIS MCP server (renemorenow/arcgis-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.