Copy for LLM[View as Markdown](https://docs.planet.com/platform/integrations/qgis/add-basemaps-to-qgis/)

# Using Planet Tile Services in QGIS

Planet Basemaps can be integrated into QGIS using either **WMTS** or **XYZ** tile services. To get started, you’ll need QGIS v3.10 or later and your Planet API Key, which you can find [here in your user settings](https://www.planet.com/account/#/user-settings).

For WMTS access, use the following endpoint:

```
https://api.planet.com/basemaps/v1/mosaics/wmts?api_key=<your-api-key>
```

For XYZ access, the tile URL format is:

```
https://tiles.planet.com/basemaps/v1/planet-tiles/<mosaic-name>/gmap/{z}/{x}/{y}.png?api_key=<your-api-key>
```

## Add WMTS Tile Layers

WMTS is widely supported in GIS platforms like QGIS, ArcGIS Pro, and others. It provides structured access to The Planet catalog of mosaics and series.

1. **Set your CRS to EPSG:3857**

In the bottom right corner of QGIS, click on the displayed CRS (For example, “EPSG:4326”) to open the Coordinate Reference System selector, and choose **EPSG:3857 (Web Mercator)**.

![QGIS Project Properties dialog](/platform/integrations/qgis/add-basemaps-to-qgis/project-properties-crs.webp)

QGIS Project Properties dialog

2. **Create a WMTS connection**

To create a WMTS connection, open the Browser Panel, right-click on **WMS/WMTS**, and select **New Connection**. In the dialog that appears, enter a name such as Planet WMTS, and paste the following URL (replacing `<your-api-key>` with your actual API key):

```
https://api.planet.com/basemaps/v1/mosaics/wmts?api_key=<your-api-key>
```

Then click **OK** to save the connection.

3. **Add a mosaic layer**

Expand the newly created **Planet WMTS** connection in the Browser Panel, then double-click on a mosaic layer to add it to the map.

note

WMTS layers may take several seconds to load, especially on first connection. Be patient while QGIS fetches the available tiles.

![WMTS mosaic layer](/platform/integrations/qgis/add-basemaps-to-qgis/wmts-layer-loaded.webp)

WMTS mosaic layer

## Add XYZ Tile Layers

XYZ tile services provide lightweight, fast-loading access to Planet basemaps and work seamlessly in QGIS.

1. **Set your CRS to EPSG:3857**<br />In the bottom right corner of QGIS, click on the current CRS (For example, “EPSG:4326”) to open the Coordinate Reference System dialog, and select **EPSG:3857 (Web Mercator)**.

2. **Create an XYZ connection**<br />Open the **Browser Panel**, right-click on **XYZ Tiles**, and select **New Connection**. In the dialog, enter a name like **Planet XYZ** and use the URL format below (replacing `<mosaic-name>` and `<your-api-key>` with your values):

```
https://tiles.planet.com/basemaps/v1/planet-tiles/<mosaic-name>/gmap/{z}/{x}/{y}.png?api_key=<your-api-key>
```

Set the **Max Zoom Level** to `18`, then click **OK** to save.

3. **Load the basemap**
   <br />
   Double-click the newly created XYZ entry to load the Planet basemap into your QGIS project.

![XYZ tile layer](/platform/integrations/qgis/add-basemaps-to-qgis/xyz-layer-loaded.webp)

XYZ tile layer

Where do I find the `<mosaic-name>`?

You can retrieve available mosaic names using the [Basemaps API](https://docs.planet.com/develop/apis/basemaps.md).<br />For more on tile delivery and URL structure, see the [Tiles API page](https://docs.planet.com/develop/apis/tiles.md).