2D mapping
Create georeferenced orthomosaics and surface models from aerial imagery for site documentation and spatial analysis.
DJI Terra software
DJI Terra Features: 2D Mapping, 3D Models & LiDAR
Turn drone imagery and compatible DJI LiDAR data into useful maps, models and point clouds. Explore DJI Terra features for professional photogrammetry, terrain documentation and photorealistic 3D visualization.
Use this guide to connect each reconstruction method with the output your project needs, then choose the right software license and processing setup.
Product guidance and licenses from Drone Emotions – Authorized DJI Terra Reseller.
Reconstruction capabilities
What can DJI Terra do?
DJI Terra connects aerial data processing with practical geospatial deliverables. The most useful feature depends on your source data, the questions you need to answer and the software receiving the final results.
3D reconstruction
Reconstruct textured meshes and point clouds to document buildings, terrain and infrastructure in three dimensions.
LiDAR processing
Process compatible DJI Zenmuse datasets into point clouds and terrain products, with tools for checking and improving data quality.
Gaussian Splatting
Create photorealistic 3D scenes for visualization, communication and digital twin projects with the appropriate license.
Multispectral mapping
Generate reflectance and vegetation information from supported multispectral imagery for agricultural assessment.
Cluster reconstruction
Distribute supported processing tasks across networked computers when large datasets exceed a single workstation’s practical capacity.
Match the workflow before you buy. Availability depends on the software version, license, input data and processing configuration. Check your project against the official DJI Terra overview and our license options, or ask our team for guidance.
Choose the right method
From drone data to maps, models and digital twins
A single site can produce several useful deliverables. Choose the reconstruction method around your technical requirements and the way the results will be used.
2D mapping and 3D photogrammetry
Use aerial photographs to reconstruct a georeferenced orthomosaic, a digital surface model, a textured 3D mesh or a point cloud. A map gives teams a plan view of the site; a 3D reconstruction records its shape and visible structure.
Nadir imagery supports map production, while suitable oblique coverage helps document façades and vertical surfaces. Plan image coverage around the whole area of interest, including the edges and objects that matter to the project.
Explore DJI land surveying workflows and our DJI Terra video tutorials.
LiDAR processing and RGB data fusion
DJI Terra processes compatible Zenmuse LiDAR recordings into point clouds. Supported workflows include trajectory processing, accuracy optimization, ground classification and digital elevation model generation.
Suitable LiDAR and RGB datasets can also support fusion reconstruction. Choose the sensor and processing method around the terrain, vegetation and structural detail you need to capture. Keep the original recording folders and positioning data available when preparing the project.
See DJI’s Zenmuse L2 processing guidance and LiDAR and visible-light fusion overview.
3D Gaussian Splatting for photorealistic scenes
Gaussian Splatting creates a detailed scene representation that is especially useful when the result needs to communicate how a place looks. It can support digital twin presentations, heritage documentation and visual review of complex infrastructure.
Choose a conventional mesh or point cloud when your downstream tools require those data structures. For visible-light Gaussian Splatting, DJI identifies the Flagship edition; confirm the required license for your specific reconstruction and deployment.
Review DJI Terra reconstruction technologies and the official release notes.
Multispectral mapping for agriculture
Supported multispectral datasets can be processed into reflectance and vegetation index maps, including workflows with NDVI and NDRE. These outputs help identify spatial differences in crop condition and guide closer field assessment.
Use a compatible multispectral capture workflow and consistent collection conditions. Interpreting a vegetation map also requires agronomic context: crop stage, field observations and previous surveys help explain the patterns in the data.
Explore DJI’s Mavic 3 Multispectral solution and discuss your agricultural workflow.
Cluster reconstruction for large datasets
Cluster processing distributes supported reconstruction tasks across compatible computers on a local network. It can increase practical processing capacity for extensive surveys and large image collections.
Plan the shared storage, network, worker configuration and licensing together. Standard and Flagship users gained visible-light cluster support with Terra 5.1; Gaussian Splatting cluster tasks have their own node licensing requirements. Processing time still depends on the dataset and hardware.
Read DJI’s Terra 5.1 cluster update and ask about a processing setup.
Measurements, annotations and spatial review
Maps and models provide a shared reference for reviewing a site. DJI Terra’s measurement tools can support project review, including stockpile volume workflows, while exported data can be used in specialist applications for further analysis.
Define the measurement method, reference surface and quality checks before relying on a result. For repeat surveys, consistent capture and coordinate handling make comparisons easier to assess.
See the DJI stockpile measurement guide and our articles and practical guides.
Additional Terra 5.x workflows
Thermal mapping, video reconstruction and advanced processing
Recent DJI Terra releases expand the available processing methods. Check your installed release, data source and license before selecting these functions.
Thermal 2D reconstruction
Supported paired RGB and thermal imagery can produce temperature-aware 2D maps with point, line and area temperature tools. Sensor support and capture conditions matter.
Rolling shutter optimization
High-precision rolling shutter processing helps address geometric distortion in supported imagery. Select the method around the camera and acquisition conditions.
Reconstruction from video
Video frame extraction creates image inputs for reconstruction. Useful footage needs sufficient scene coverage, usable frames and appropriate overlap.
DJI also documents Gaussian Splatting cluster reconstruction and support for local elevation files in recent releases. Read the official DJI feature update and check the current downloads and release notes for the exact requirements.
Deliverables and interoperability
DJI Terra outputs for GIS, CAD and 3D workflows
Choose the deliverable before processing. Confirm the required format, coordinate reference system, height reference and units with the team or application receiving the data.
| Deliverable | Common formats or results | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Orthomosaic / DOM | GeoTIFF | Georeferenced site plans, GIS backgrounds and visible surface documentation. |
| Surface or elevation model | DSM / DEM raster outputs | Terrain and surface review. A DSM includes visible surface objects; a ground-based DEM depends on the chosen workflow. |
| Point cloud | LAS; additional formats depend on the task | Specialist surveying, engineering, terrain and infrastructure applications. |
| Textured 3D mesh | OBJ, PLY, FBX and supported tiled model formats | 3D visualization, model exchange and downstream scene workflows. |
| Gaussian Splatting scene | TerraGS, PLY and 3D Tiles | Photorealistic scene delivery with a compatible viewer and the relevant software version. |
| Multispectral results | Reflectance and vegetation index maps | Spatial crop assessment and preparation for specialist agricultural analysis. |
| Thermal 2D map | Temperature-aware map and measurement tools | Review of thermal patterns from supported datasets and current reconstruction workflows. |
Check exact export support in the official DJI Terra FAQ and DJI Terra user manual. For model and point cloud editing after reconstruction, explore DJI Modify; confirm its separate licensing requirements.
A practical project sequence
A drone mapping workflow with DJI Terra
Good processing starts with suitable data. Follow a consistent sequence so the final deliverables can be assessed against the project specification.
Before starting your first project, use our DJI Terra Installation & Activation Guide to prepare the software, account and license deployment.
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Define and capture
Set the survey area, required outputs and accuracy targets. Choose the aircraft, sensor, flight application and capture geometry around those requirements.
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Prepare the project
Organize source data and positioning information. Check coverage, coordinate references, available storage and the reconstruction method before processing.
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Reconstruct and review
Process the selected outputs. Review alignment, coverage, reports and checkpoints; investigate incomplete areas and unexpected results.
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Export and deliver
Export the agreed formats and open them in the receiving application. Record the coordinate system, processing settings and quality evidence with the deliverables.
Control points and independent checks
Ground control points help constrain a photogrammetric project; independent checkpoints provide evidence about its accuracy. Keep the two roles separate when designing and evaluating a survey.
RTK and PPK positioning can strengthen the workflow, while surveyed checkpoints help test the actual result. See DJI’s PPK processing guide.
For a practical explanation of ground control, independent checkpoints, RTK, PPK and height references, read our DJI Terra Accuracy, GCP & RTK Guide.
Build confidence in the result
- Check image sharpness, coverage and overlap.
- Verify horizontal and vertical coordinate references.
- Inspect reconstructed edges and areas with weak detail.
- Compare independent checks with the project specification.
- Retain the quality evidence with the exported results.
Accuracy is a property of the complete survey workflow. A high-resolution image or model alone does not prove the required accuracy.
Data sources and processing setup
Drone compatibility and DJI Terra system requirements
Compatibility depends on the dataset and reconstruction method, not only the aircraft name. Confirm the sensor, data format and software release together.
Use our DJI Terra Supported Drones & Sensors Guide to check equipment, input data and processing requirements before planning your capture workflow.
Visible-light imagery
DJI surveying solutions include Matrice 4E and aircraft equipped with Zenmuse P1. Choose an appropriate capture workflow for maps, meshes or photorealistic scenes.
LiDAR recordings
Explore Zenmuse L2 and Zenmuse L3 workflows. Reconstruction needs the supported recording data and relevant positioning information.
Multispectral imagery
The Mavic 3 Multispectral ecosystem connects RGB and multispectral acquisition with agricultural mapping. Check which source bands and calibration data your processing task requires.
Workstation starting point
- Windows 10 or later, 64-bit.
- NVIDIA GPU meeting DJI’s graphics requirements.
- At least 32 GB RAM and 4 GB GPU memory for the documented reconstruction baseline.
- 64 GB RAM or more is DJI’s recommended starting point.
- Storage capacity and performance suited to source data, cache and outputs.
Large datasets and advanced tasks may need a stronger configuration. Read the current DJI system requirements before buying hardware.
For help planning memory, graphics and storage around your datasets, read our DJI Terra System Requirements & Workstations Guide.
Check the version and license together
General waypoint, area, oblique and corridor planning shown in older Terra material should not be assumed in Terra 5.x. DJI’s FAQ describes version-specific exceptions for detailed inspection and agriculture. Confirm support before building a flight workflow around those tools.
Also verify whether your deployment requires an online or offline license, and whether the intended task runs on one workstation or a cluster. Our team can help evaluate these choices around your project.
Professional applications
DJI Terra applications across industries
Different sectors can use the same reconstruction tools for different purposes. Start with the operational question, then specify the map, model or point cloud that will help answer it.
Surveying, mapping and construction
Document terrain, construction areas and changing site conditions with orthomosaics, surface models and 3D reconstructions. Define the survey specification first, then choose capture and processing settings that support the required deliverables.
Power lines and electrical infrastructure
Build a spatial record of substations, towers and surrounding terrain. Appropriate imagery and LiDAR workflows can help teams document complex infrastructure and prepare model-based inspection projects.
Public safety and incident documentation
Use reconstructed maps and 3D scenes for post-mission documentation, incident review and site understanding. A consistent spatial record can help teams communicate findings and revisit the scene after field data collection.
Oil, gas and industrial sites
Create site context for infrastructure inventories, pipeline corridors and maintenance planning. Choose the output around the task: a map for location, a mesh for visualization or a point cloud for specialist analysis.
Examples from DJI
Drone mapping and inspection case studies
Explore official DJI stories showing how drone data, reconstruction and inspection workflows are used in real projects. Each article describes its own equipment, context and results.
Cultural heritage
Documenting heritage in Japan
See how drone surveying and mapping support the documentation and protection of historic sites.
Electrical infrastructure
Substation inspection workflows
Discover DJI’s case study on automated drone inspection and model-based workflows at China Southern Power Grid.
Transport infrastructure
Bridge inspection with PipeChina
Explore a bridge inspection application that connects drone data acquisition with detailed infrastructure documentation.
Railway surveying
Railway mapping with Altametris
Read how Altametris used drones and 3D mapping to document a railway site and support its surveying workflow.
Industrial decommissioning
LiDAR surveying of cooling towers
Learn how a drone LiDAR survey helped teams assess cooling towers before a demolition project.
Corridor mapping
Mapping the Maling River corridor
Follow a DJI Terra case study on processing drone survey data for a challenging river corridor mapping project.
Choose around your deliverables
Choose the DJI Terra license for your workflow
The right edition depends on the reconstruction methods you need. Confirm the edition, license term, online or offline deployment and computer binding requirements before ordering.
Read our DJI Terra License Guide to compare Standard and Flagship, understand deployment options and prepare the questions to ask before purchase.
DJI Terra Standard
Consider Standard for professional visible-light photogrammetry workflows such as mapping, surface models and textured 3D reconstruction. Discuss your project size and deployment requirements when comparing the available options.
DJI Terra Flagship
Consider Flagship when your project also requires visible-light Gaussian Splatting. Check the intended workflow, including any cluster nodes, against current licensing and release information.
Planning a LiDAR-only workflow? Some DJI Zenmuse processing functions are available without a paid Terra license. Check the exact sensor, outputs and processing method first. Contact Drone Emotions for product guidance, technical assistance and training, or learn about our company.
Common product questions
DJI Terra features FAQ
Use these answers to prepare your software choice. For a specific dataset or deployment, ask our team to check the current requirements.
What is DJI Terra used for?
DJI Terra processes drone data into maps, surface models, point clouds and 3D scenes. It supports photogrammetry, compatible DJI LiDAR workflows and additional reconstruction methods suited to different project objectives.
What is the difference between a 3D mesh and Gaussian Splatting?
A mesh represents surfaces with polygons and textures. Gaussian Splatting creates a photorealistic scene representation. Select the method around the deliverable: engineering analysis, model exchange, visualization or stakeholder presentation.
Can I export DJI Terra results to GIS or CAD software?
Yes, supported outputs include georeferenced rasters, point clouds and 3D models. Check the receiving application’s file formats, units and coordinate requirements before processing. The output table above lists common examples.
Does every DJI LiDAR workflow require a paid Terra license?
No. DJI provides some Zenmuse LiDAR processing functions without a paid Terra license. Requirements vary with the sensor, reconstruction method, output and software version. Ask us to check your intended workflow before purchasing.
Can DJI Terra run on a Mac?
DJI lists Windows as the supported operating system; there is no native macOS version. Check the official hardware requirements before selecting your workstation. For practical setup guidance, read our System Requirements & Workstations Guide.
Does DJI Terra guarantee centimetre-level accuracy?
Accuracy must be demonstrated for the actual project. Image quality, positioning, capture geometry, control, coordinate handling and independent checkpoints all affect the result. A small output pixel size alone does not establish survey accuracy. Our Accuracy, GCP & RTK Guide explains how to plan control and assess the results.
Is cluster reconstruction the same as cloud processing?
Cluster reconstruction uses compatible computers on a local network. It is a different deployment from an online cloud service. Licensing depends on the task; DJI specifies a valid Gaussian Splatting license for each node used in 3DGS cluster processing.
Does DJI Terra still include the mission planning shown in older tutorials?
Flight planning support is version-specific. General mission planning shown in older Terra material should not be assumed in Terra 5.x. DJI lists exceptions for detailed inspection and agricultural applications. Check the installed version and supported aircraft against the official FAQ.
DJI Terra workflow guides
Connect the right features with your next project
Tell us about your drone, sensor, dataset and required outputs. We can help you select a DJI Terra license and prepare a practical processing workflow.
This website is operated by Drone Emotions Srl, an authorized DJI Terra reseller. DJI and DJI Terra are trademarks of DJI. Product specifications, feature availability and licensing are defined by DJI; refer to the official DJI Terra product information for current details.