---
title: "GeoSplats | Guides"
description: "Technical introduction to {% include _includes/glossary/geosplats.html %} for capturing photorealistic 3D scenes."
---

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

# GeoSplats

📦 [GeoSplats SDK](https://docs-qmgv.pages.dev/geosplats-sdk/) 🧩 [Code examples](https://docs-qmgv.pages.dev/geosplats-sdk/examples/) 📖 [Reference](https://docs-qmgv.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 perfect 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_

## How it works

We take raw Gaussian splat files in `.ply` format as input. The output is a web-optimized splat model that loads fast, blends smoothly with terrain, and contains precise location metadata, so you can instantly add the model to a map.

### Level of Detail (LOD)

During processing, we divide the raw splats into balanced chunks using a proprietary **Level of Detail (LOD)** system. Each LOD contains a subset of the splats from the previous level, which allows the renderer to fetch only the necessary data for a specific zoom level. This helps keep scene loading fast without compromising visual quality.

### Rendering with WebGPU

Visualization in a map is handled by our [GeoSplats SDK](https://docs-qmgv.pages.dev/geosplats-sdk/), which uses the **WebGPU** technology – a fast and modern successor to the older WebGL standard.

## Get started

The LOD processing and optimization starts automatically after you upload your raw splats file. Then you edit the model and give it precise coordinates. For complete step-by-step help, go to 👉 [3D Editor](https://docs-qmgv.pages.dev/guides/geosplats/3d-editor/).