01
Start with 2D mapping
Begin with the short mapping tutorial, then use the DJI Academy photogrammetry lesson to understand inputs, control points and exported maps.
Best for: orthomosaics, site plans and GIS deliverables.
DJI Terra learning hub
DJI Terra Video Tutorials: Mapping, 3D Models & LiDAR
Learn how DJI Terra turns drone photographs and compatible LiDAR survey data into maps, 3D models and point clouds. Explore six DJI video tutorials with practical guidance on the workflow, the settings to understand and the results to check.
Start with the topic that matches your project, then follow the longer lessons for coordinates, quality reports and exported deliverables.
Workflow guidance and software licenses from Drone Emotions, your authorized DJI Terra reseller.
Recommended learning paths
Find the DJI Terra workflow for your project
Choose a path based on the data you have and the deliverable you need. You can watch each video independently or use the suggested sequence to connect capture, reconstruction and validation.
02
Build a better 3D workflow
Use the oblique capture lesson to think about coverage, then follow 3D reconstruction. Continue with the full processing lesson when coordinates and quality checks matter.
Best for: buildings, infrastructure and digital site models.
03
Process LiDAR and inspect terrain
Start with the L1/L2 processing lesson. Follow the quality report and coordinate settings, then explore profiles and contours using a suitable reconstructed dataset.
Best for: point clouds, terrain analysis and elevation deliverables.
Video library
Watch DJI Terra mapping, photogrammetry and LiDAR tutorials
Each tutorial includes its original DJI title, publisher and running time. The guidance below each player helps you decide what to focus on and how to connect the lesson with your own project.
Chapter links open the selected moment on YouTube. You can also use “Watch on YouTube” below any player.
How to Use DJI Terra's Oblique Photography Mission Function
Explore the oblique photography mission demonstrated with the Phantom 4 RTK. The tutorial is useful for understanding why a 3D survey needs views of the sides of buildings and other objects, as well as photographs looking down at the ground.
Apply the capture principles
- Identify surfaces that would be poorly documented by a nadir-only flight.
- Think about camera orientation and consistent coverage before collecting the dataset.
- Connect the capture plan with the 3D reconstruction tutorial below.
Earlier interface: this video shows a legacy Terra flight planning workflow. For current aircraft, check the planning tools supported by your drone and controller. Terra 5.x route planning is limited to detailed inspection and agricultural applications; see the official DJI FAQ.
How to Use DJI Terra's 3D Reconstruction Function
Follow the transition from a captured image dataset to a reconstructed 3D model. This concise DJI Support tutorial provides an introduction to the reconstruction process and a starting point for understanding the relationship between your survey photographs and the resulting digital scene.
Inspect the result, then go deeper
- Review the main processing sequence before starting a larger project.
- Look for gaps, distorted surfaces and incomplete coverage in the model.
- Continue with the longer photogrammetry tutorial for coordinate settings, control points and output files.
Practice task: process a small, representative dataset first. Inspect roofs, facades and the edge of the survey area before selecting settings for the full reconstruction.
DJI Terra – Mapping and 2D Reconstruction [Tutorial]
Watch the DJI Support introduction to mapping and 2D reconstruction. An orthomosaic brings overlapping drone photographs into a map-like image that can be used for site documentation and geospatial review. Use this tutorial to understand the basic workflow before following the more detailed processing lesson.
Check your mapping deliverable
- Inspect the reconstructed map for uncovered areas and visible stitching problems.
- Check the output coordinate system, units and resolution against the project specification.
- Open the exported files in the downstream GIS or CAD workflow you intend to use.
Accuracy check: a sharp-looking map or small ground sample distance does not, by itself, establish survey accuracy. Validate the deliverable with suitable independent checks.
How to Use DJI Terra for Photogrammetry
This DJI Academy lesson covers the photogrammetry workflow in greater depth: image import, position and orientation data, camera parameters, aerial triangulation, ground control points, checkpoints, coordinate transformation, 2D reconstruction, 3D reconstruction and measurements.
Use this as your main processing lesson
- Pause at the input and coordinate settings and compare them with your own dataset.
- Understand the different roles of ground control points and independent checkpoints.
- Review the 2D and 3D output folders so you know which files belong in the final delivery.
Jump to a useful chapter on YouTube
How to Use DJI Terra for LiDAR Processing (Zenmuse L1, Zenmuse L2 Workflow)
Follow the DJI Academy workflow for processing Zenmuse L1 and Zenmuse L2 survey data. The lesson includes preparing and importing files, base station settings, point cloud settings, a digital elevation model, the quality report and output coordinate systems.
Focus on the complete LiDAR dataset
- Keep the original survey folder structure and the files required by the sensor workflow.
- Review positioning, point cloud processing and elevation settings before running the project.
- Check the quality report and exported coordinates before using the point cloud for measurements.
Jump to a useful chapter on YouTube
Current interface: DJI Academy links to an updated Terra V5 LiDAR tutorial from this video. The original L1/L2 lesson remains here; use the updated resource when matching steps to a newer installation.
DJI Terra V4 Updates (Elevation Profile Measurements, Gridlines, Contour Generation)
Explore the tools introduced in the DJI Terra V4 update for elevation profile measurements, gridlines and contour generation. The video also includes examples of taking results into third-party CAD software, making it a useful follow-up once you have a reconstructed dataset to inspect.
Connect the tools with your project
- Use elevation profiles to inspect height changes along a selected line.
- Review contour generation and the elevation data supporting the result.
- Check coordinates, units and import settings when moving deliverables into CAD.
Jump to a useful chapter on YouTube
Version reference: this is a V4 feature walkthrough. Use the current DJI release notes to check later changes and the tools available in your installation.
Before you start
Prepare your computer, survey data and reference systems
A useful tutorial exercise starts with the right inputs. Prepare these four items before repeating a processing workflow, so the lesson helps you evaluate a real project.
Use a suitable processing computer
Check the current Windows and NVIDIA hardware requirements, available RAM, GPU memory and free storage. A lesson may use a smaller dataset than your real survey. Keep the original data and allow space for processing files and outputs. Review drones and hardware compatibility.
Organize a representative dataset
For photogrammetry, prepare sharp, overlapping images covering the intended area. For LiDAR, keep the complete survey files and original folder structure. Start with a manageable test area that includes the surfaces or terrain you will need to deliver.
Write down coordinates and units
Identify the reference system for the photographs or trajectory, the surveyed control points and the requested output. Check horizontal units and the elevation reference. If you need a local transformation, establish the required parameters before the final reconstruction.
Check version and feature access
Compare your installed Terra version with the interface shown in the tutorial. Confirm the features available for your project and license. Some LiDAR processing is available without a paid license, depending on the sensor and software version. Read our DJI Terra FAQ.
Using a newer Terra capability? This collection focuses on the workflows shown in the six videos. For Gaussian Splatting, multispectral reconstruction or cluster processing, consult our complete DJI Terra features guide and the current DJI user manual.
From video to practice
Turn a tutorial into a repeatable processing workflow
Use this sequence when applying a lesson to your own survey. It keeps the focus on a deliverable you can review and reproduce.
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1
Define the deliverable
Decide whether you need an orthomosaic, a 3D mesh, a point cloud or elevation products. Confirm the requested area, coordinate system, resolution and intended GIS or CAD use. Compare DJI Terra output types.
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2
Review the input data
Check image coverage, sharpness and metadata, or the completeness of the LiDAR survey files. Identify missing areas before spending time on a full reconstruction. Use the relevant video as a guide to the processing sequence.
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3
Run a small test project
Use the tutorial to understand the settings, then select them for your own data. Record the software version, input files, reference system and processing choices so a later revision can be explained and reproduced.
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4
Validate the result
Inspect the model or map and review the available quality information. Distinguish the points used to constrain the reconstruction from independent checkpoints used to assess it. Confirm elevation consistency before interpreting profiles or volumes.
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5
Export and verify the delivery
Open the exported deliverable in the software that will receive it. Check coordinates, units, required files and the area covered. Keep a copy of the source data, project settings and quality report with the final outputs.
Review and troubleshoot
What to check when a DJI Terra result needs attention
Start with the input data and project references, then return to the relevant lesson. These checks help identify what to investigate; the appropriate fix depends on the dataset.
| What you notice | First checks | Useful lesson or resource |
|---|---|---|
| Missing areas or distorted 3D surfaces | Review coverage, image sharpness, overlap and the camera viewpoints. A processing setting cannot supply surfaces that were never captured. | Photogrammetry lesson |
| The map is shifted or elevations do not match | Check the input and output reference systems, elevation reference, units and control point coordinates. Review independent checks before delivering the project. | Coordinates and control points |
| LiDAR processing or the point cloud needs review | Check the completeness of the survey files, positioning and processing settings. Read the quality report and compare the workflow with the instructions for your sensor. | LiDAR processing lesson |
| Contours or CAD imports look inconsistent | Check the elevation source, output coordinate system, units and the import settings of the destination application. Review the contour and CAD examples. | Profiles and contour tutorial |
| A menu or command differs from the tutorial | Match the video to your installed software version and check current feature access. For newer functions, use the current manual and release notes. | Current DJI documentation |
Need help reviewing a project? Contact Drone Emotions with your sensor, Terra version, dataset size, required outputs and the issue you are seeing.
Continue learning
DJI Terra documentation, software and workflow resources
Pair the videos with current instructions and detailed workflow explanations. Use DJI resources for product documentation and our pages for guidance, license options and project support.
Understand the software
Use our detailed guides to connect the tutorials with the processing method, output and project requirements.
Check the current DJI instructions
Use DJI documentation when a video shows an earlier interface, or when checking compatibility and a newer capability.
Choose your next step
Move from watching a tutorial to testing a workflow, selecting a license or discussing a project with our team.
Software and documentation: our DJI Terra download page connects you with software resources. You can also visit the official DJI Terra download center and DJI Terra product page.
Tutorial questions
DJI Terra video tutorial FAQs
Quick answers to help you choose a lesson and apply it to a photogrammetry or LiDAR project.
Which DJI Terra tutorial should I watch first?
For an overview of maps, start with the short 2D mapping video. For a deeper understanding of the full image processing workflow, use the DJI Academy photogrammetry lesson and its chapter links. If your dataset comes from a Zenmuse L1 or L2, start with the LiDAR lesson instead.
Are these videos produced by DJI?
Yes. The embedded tutorials in this collection are published by DJI Support and DJI Academy. Drone Emotions organizes them with workflow guidance and links to supporting resources. Each card includes a direct link to the same video on YouTube.
Will every tutorial match my current DJI Terra version?
The collection includes earlier interfaces and a video specifically about the V4 update. Many processing principles remain useful, but menus and available functions can change. For Terra 5.x, general route planning shown in older lessons should not be assumed available; DJI identifies detailed inspection and agricultural route planning as the remaining applications. Check the official DJI FAQ and current release notes.
Can I learn both photogrammetry and LiDAR processing here?
Yes, through separate lessons. Photogrammetry uses overlapping photographs to reconstruct maps and models. The L1/L2 video explains a LiDAR workflow with its own survey files, positioning settings and quality checks. Use the lesson matching your input data, then review the LiDAR features or photogrammetry features for more context.
Do I need a DJI Terra license to watch or practice?
The videos can be watched without purchasing a software license. To repeat the processing steps, you need a compatible Terra installation, suitable input data and access to the required features. License requirements vary by processing method, sensor and software version. Compare the available licenses or ask our team about your specific workflow.
Does completing a tutorial prove that my survey is accurate?
A tutorial explains a workflow; the accuracy of a delivered survey still needs to be assessed for the actual project. Review capture quality, reference systems, control point measurements and independent checkpoints. A visually detailed model or a fine output resolution does not substitute for validation against the project requirements.
What should I send when asking for workflow support?
Describe your drone and camera or LiDAR sensor, installed Terra version, computer configuration, dataset size and required deliverables. Include the coordinate system and a screenshot of the relevant settings, quality report or error message. This helps our team understand the issue and the processing stage you need to review.
Build your next workflow
Ready to use DJI Terra for your project?
Tell us which drone or LiDAR sensor you use, the size of your dataset and the deliverables you need. Drone Emotions can help you connect the processing workflow with the software license and setup suited to your project.