Create maps & 3D results
Start by assessing Terra against your sensor, dataset and required output. Identify the reconstruction task before considering any later editing.
DJI software comparison & workflow guide
DJI Terra vs DJI Modify
DJI Terra creates mapping and reconstruction results. DJI Modify helps refine supported 3D meshes and point clouds. Start with the deliverable you need, then decide whether your workflow calls for Terra alone or both applications.
Start with your project goal
This guide explains the differences, the handoff between the programs and the practical checks to make before choosing a license or bundle.
Edit an existing result
Assess Modify against the exact mesh or point-cloud file you already have. Check compatibility first and define the edits you want to make.
Reconstruct & edit
Plan a combined workflow. Confirm the Terra edition, the Modify entitlement and the computer that will run both programs before purchasing.
DJI Terra vs DJI Modify: the main differences
| Project task | DJI Terra | DJI Modify |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Reconstruction and processing. | Editing supported reconstruction results. |
| Photographs | Creates 2D and 3D results from suitable imagery. | Works on compatible outputs. |
| DJI LiDAR | Processes supported sensor data. | Refines compatible point clouds. |
| Mesh cleanup | Generates the reconstructed mesh. | Tools for defects, surfaces and textures. |
| Point-cloud editing | Produces processing outputs. | Smoothing, noise reduction, downsampling and classification. |
| Best buying question | Which reconstruction capabilities do I need? | Which edits does my deliverable require? |
On mobile, swipe the table horizontally to read all columns. This comparison summarizes the applications’ roles; input support and capabilities depend on version and license.
What can you do with each application?
DJI Terra: build the result
Terra supports 2D mapping, 3D mesh reconstruction, DJI LiDAR processing and multispectral reconstruction. Gaussian Splatting is also available with the applicable Terra entitlement.
For your project, list the outputs the recipient expects: a map, a surface, a point cloud or a 3D scene. Compare these requirements with the current edition and sensor support.
DJI Modify: refine the result
Modify provides mesh tools for floating parts, holes, surface flattening, texture repair and water surfaces. Its point-cloud tools help clean data, adjust classifications and generate terrain results.
Decide which features must remain unchanged and which areas need editing. Review the result after each operation, especially around thin structures, edges and transitions.
How to plan a Terra and Modify workflow
The following is our suggested project checklist. Adapt it to the sensor, software versions and delivery specification you use.
- Define the deliverable. Agree the required geometry, coordinate reference, file format and acceptance checks before collecting data.
- Collect and inspect the inputs. Check coverage, image quality or LiDAR completeness. Keep source files and field records together.
- Process in Terra. Choose the appropriate reconstruction workflow and retain processing settings and quality information.
- Review the first result. Identify whether a problem comes from missing observations, processing choices or an artifact suitable for editing.
- Edit a supported result in Modify. Keep an unchanged reference copy. Record changes that affect geometry or classification.
- Check the export in the receiving software. Inspect units, coordinates, appearance and representative measurements before delivering it.
Plan the handoff before the full project
DJI documents a direct Terra-to-Modify workflow. Test a small representative dataset first so you can confirm that the reconstruction, editing and export stages meet your requirements.
Compatibility: meshes, point clouds and Gaussian Splatting
Visible-light meshes
DJI’s FAQ specifies meshes reconstructed in Terra V4.0.0 or later. Once a Modify project references a Terra result, avoid moving or renaming the source result folders.
For third-party meshes, request a compatibility check before purchasing. A familiar file extension alone does not establish a supported workflow.
Point-cloud files
Modify supports LAS input. DJI lists LAS, PNTS, PLY, PCD and S3MB among its point-cloud export formats.
Check a sample file for scale, reference system, attributes and classifications. File compatibility should be confirmed separately from the mesh workflow.
Gaussian Splatting is a separate output type
A Gaussian Splatting scene should not be treated as a conventional textured mesh. Do not assume that the mesh repair workflow described here applies to a splat scene. Confirm the intended viewing or editing application before choosing that output.
References: DJI Modify FAQ and DJI Modify product specifications.
Licenses, internet access and computer binding
Terra’s online paid features require a stable internet connection. A Terra offline license permits paid processing without internet after the required authorization and binding. Modify requires a constant network connection during use.
Terra offline does not make Modify offline
If your processing environment must remain disconnected, assess the complete workflow before purchasing both programs. An offline Terra entitlement does not remove Modify’s connectivity requirement.
DJI requires Terra and Modify purchased as a bundle to be bound to the same computer. Select the workstation first and confirm the DJI account and activation instructions for the exact package.
Annual and permanent products have different durations. Read the selected listing rather than assuming that a bundle, trial or separate license has identical terms. See our DJI Terra License Guide and Installation & Activation Guide.
Which permanent bundle should you choose?
Choose the Terra edition around the reconstruction capabilities you need. The Modify component does not upgrade the Terra edition included in a package.
Terra Standard + Modify Flagship
Consider this bundle when the Standard reconstruction capabilities fit your work and you also need Modify for compatible results.
Write down the actual deliverables and editing tasks. Check them against both applications before choosing the package.
Terra Flagship + Modify Flagship
Consider this bundle when you also need Flagship-specific capabilities, including Gaussian Splatting or Electricity Application.
Specify which output you will create and which output you will edit. Including Modify does not imply that every Terra output is editable in Modify.
Current prices, tax information, delivery details and license terms appear on the product pages. For a Terra-only workflow, browse the Terra licenses.
Plan a workstation for both applications
Modify’s published minimum includes 64-bit Windows 10 or later, 32 GB RAM, an NVIDIA GPU with at least 4 GB VRAM and compute capability 6.1, and driver 522.25 or later. Its recommendation increases this to 64 GB RAM and an RTX 2070-class GPU or better with at least 8 GB VRAM and compute capability 7.0.
A minimum specification is an entry requirement, not a processing-time guarantee. Allow storage for source data, reconstruction files, editing projects and backups. Use a representative project to assess memory needs and turnaround time.
Check the requirements of both applications before buying or changing a computer. Read our System Requirements & Workstations guide and the official Modify requirements.
A cleaner result still needs an accuracy check
For measurement work, separate presentation quality from geometric validity. A filled hole or flattened surface represents an edit; it should not automatically be treated as a new measured observation.
- Keep the original result. Preserve the reconstruction and its quality information for comparison.
- Define permissible edits. Agree whether geometry changes are allowed in the intended deliverable.
- Use independent checks. Evaluate representative measurements and checkpoints against your project’s tolerance.
- Document changes. Record the areas edited and explain any impact on subsequent interpretation.
Our Accuracy, GCP & RTK guide explains how to plan control and result verification.
DJI Terra and DJI Modify: frequently asked questions
Are DJI Terra and DJI Modify alternatives?
They address different processing stages. Choose Terra for reconstruction, then assess whether your supported result needs the editing capabilities of Modify.
Do I need Modify for every Terra project?
Make that decision after reviewing the required output. If the reconstruction already meets the delivery specification, an additional editing stage may offer little value.
I already own Terra. Should I buy a bundle?
Tell us your existing edition, license type and intended workstation first. We can help you assess the additional software needed without assuming a second Terra entitlement is necessary.
Can both programs in a bundle run on different computers?
DJI’s published bundle condition requires them to be bound to the same computer. Discuss a different deployment requirement before purchasing.
Does the Flagship bundle make all outputs editable?
Check the editing workflow for the exact output type. Terra’s edition and Modify’s input compatibility are separate questions, especially for Gaussian Splatting.
Will editing fix incomplete data collection?
Review why the reconstruction is incomplete before editing. A presentation repair may be suitable for a visual deliverable, while a measurement project may require better observations and reprocessing.
What should I send when asking for buying advice?
Include your drone or sensor, existing license, typical dataset size, required output, intended edits, computer specification and connectivity constraints. These details make the recommendation more useful.
Where should I download the applications?
Use DJI’s official download pages linked below. Check the release notes and compatibility information before changing the versions used for an ongoing project.
Continue planning your workflow
License selection
Compare editions, duration and online or offline authorization.
Workstation configuration
Assess the computer against the dataset and processing task.
Data collection equipment
Check your drone, sensor and required processing support.
Software setup
Prepare the installation, account and activation steps.
Official DJI documentation and downloads
Use these references to confirm the requirements of the software version and license you plan to use. Our workflow checklist and buying guidance are editorial recommendations from Drone Emotions.