I cannot find any clear tutorials on the proper procedure for applying a Distort Map Filter to an object. There doesn't seem to be a way to select the input image. Where should I be searching for in depth instruction. I am creating Guilloche patterns for security documents. (practice). The idea is to take my intricate tiled patterns and add medium scale waves and ripples to the otherwise purely geometric lines. Thank you for your advice. -- Molly

Distort Map only works on bitmaps. 
It took me days to work this out. I feel foolish.

I think there are also svg distort/displace maps. But I'm not sure it's what you're looking for.

https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2021/09/deep-dive-wonderful-world-svg-displacement-filtering/