For the abnormal triangular surfaces, loss of local features, and abnormal geometric structures occurring in quadric error metrics (QEM), an improved quadric error metrics with edge splitting (ESQEM) algorithm is proposed. The EAQEM algorithm adds the Gaussian curvature of vertex as one of the edge collapse costs and adjusts the model feature retention by parameters. The edge length query mechanism is added to perform the edge splitting on the slender triangular surface. The ESQEM algorithm maintains the high-curvature region characteristics of mesh model and keeps the geometric structure, eliminating the slender triangular surface. The simplified model has better visual effect and higher accuracy than QEM algorithm under high simplification rate.