---
title: "GeoSplats | Guides"
description: "What {% include _includes/glossary/geosplats.html %} are and how to get your 3D model onto a map."
---

> For AI agents: a documentation index is available at [/llms.txt](https://docs-beta-4y5.pages.dev/llms.txt). Markdown versions of all pages are available by appending .md to any URL.

# GeoSplats

📦 [GeoSplats SDK](https://docs-beta-4y5.pages.dev/geosplats-sdk/) 🧩 [Code examples](https://docs-beta-4y5.pages.dev/geosplats-sdk/examples/) 📖 [Reference](https://docs-beta-4y5.pages.dev/geosplats-sdk/api/)

**GeoSplats** make it possible to build [photorealistic 3D maps](https://www.maptiler.com/geosplats/). Based on Gaussian splatting, the technology uses a collection of tiny ellipsoids (“splats”) to create detailed 3D models of anything, from a small object to an entire city.

Splats support size, color, transparency, and other properties. This makes them well suited for capturing complex scenes including details like vegetation, thin wires, or transparent surfaces.

[![Example of a GeoSplats scene](./img/geosplats-example.webp "Click to see interactive demo")](https://www.maptiler.com/showcase/geosplats/#model=019fdc4a-41fa-7950-91fc-5dc9ea0b5888)

_Example of a GeoSplats model on a map_

## From raw data to 3D map

To get your own GeoSplats model into a web map, you upload a raw splat file, place it on the map in our visual [3D Editor](https://docs-beta-4y5.pages.dev/guides/geosplats/3d-editor/), and then add it to your app with the GeoSplats SDK.

### Step 1: Prepare input file

3D Editor supports models in the standard Gaussian splats `.ply` format. If you don’t have your own splat model or data for it, see:

-   [How to capture a scene with a drone](https://docs-beta-4y5.pages.dev/guides/geosplats/drone-capture/) for instructions on how to fly the drone to get quality input data for your splat model
-   [How to prepare the splat model](https://docs-beta-4y5.pages.dev/guides/geosplats/3d-editor/prepare-data/) for the general steps required before uploading your model

### Step 2: Upload input file

When you have your splats PLY file ready 👉 [**upload it here**](https://cloud.maptiler.com/tiles/new).

If you prefer the command line or a JS library over visual interface, check out [other ways to upload your file](https://docs-beta-4y5.pages.dev/guides/adding-data/upload-files/).

Warning

A PLY file can contain either Gaussian splats or point clouds. We support only Gaussian splats, **NOT point clouds**. The splats must be **uncompressed**.

The uploaded file is automatically processed into a web-optimized splat model. _This may take anywhere from minutes to hours, depending on model size and complexity._ During processing, you can find your file on page [Tiles](https://cloud.maptiler.com/tiles/), section **Incomplete uploads**.

### Step 3: Edit splat model

When the upload processing is finished, your splat model is optimized and web-ready, but not yet map-ready. You need to specify where on the map it should appear and in what size. Use the 3D Editor for the job:

-   **Georeference your model:** Assign a precise geographic location. This is mandatory for adding the model into a map.
-   **Transform the geometry:** Rotate the model along any axis and adjust its scale to fit accurately in the basemap.

To open your model in 3D Editor, click on your splats file and then on **Edit model**. 👉 [How to edit and georeference your splat model](https://docs-beta-4y5.pages.dev/guides/geosplats/3d-editor/get-started/)

### Step 4: Add model to map

After georeferencing, your model is fully ready and you can integrate it into your web map application using **GeoSplats SDK**. 👉 [How to add your splat model to a map](https://docs-beta-4y5.pages.dev/geosplats-sdk/examples/add-geosplats/)