---
path: docs/upload-anything/urls
title: "URLs"
desc: "Import data from web services, tile servers, and hosted files."
date: "Apr 2, 2026"
---

# URLs

Import geospatial data directly from URLs without downloading files first.

## Supported URL Types

**Hosted files** — Paste a direct link to a GeoJSON, CSV, KML, or Shapefile (.zip) hosted on the web. GISOwl downloads and ingests the file.

**WMS (Web Map Service)** — Connect to OGC-compliant WMS endpoints to stream map images as layers.

**WFS (Web Feature Service)** — Pull vector features from WFS endpoints with full attribute data.

**WMTS (Web Map Tile Service)** — Add pre-tiled basemaps or overlays from WMTS servers.

**XYZ Tiles** — Enter a tile URL template (e.g., `https://tiles.example.com/{z}/{x}/{y}.png`) to add custom tile layers.

**ArcGIS REST Services** — Connect to Esri MapServer and FeatureServer endpoints.

**PMTiles** — Load PMTiles archives hosted on any static file server or CDN.

## How to Add a URL

1. Click **Upload** in the toolbar.
2. Select the **URL** tab.
3. Paste the URL and click **Add**.
4. GISOwl auto-detects the service type and loads the data.

## Authentication

For password-protected services, GISOwl supports basic auth and API key authentication. Enter credentials in the URL import dialog. Credentials are encrypted and stored securely in your workspace.

## Next Steps

- [Cloud Sources](/docs/upload-anything/cloud-sources) — Connect databases and warehouses.
- [Connecting Esri Services](/docs/upload-anything/connecting-esri-services) — Detailed Esri integration guide.