DJI Terra V5.1 update: Enhanced drone survey data processing

• DJI has released updates for DJI Terra and DJI Modify;

• These come as part of the DJI Zenmuse L3 launch;

• New features include free support for Zenmuse L3 point cloud reconstruction, L3 Gaussian Splatting support, updates to Standard and Flagship licences to include cluster reconstruction, and enhanced editing tools;

• Find out how these updates benefit your survey workflows, and learn how heliguy™ can help you get started with DJI Zenmuse L3, DJI Terra, and DJI Modify.

With the release of DJI Terra V5.1.0 (along with the V1.5.0 update for DJI Modify), drone professionals in surveying, infrastructure and inspection gain access to powerful new capabilities.

Highlights include free support for Zenmuse L3 point cloud reconstruction, complimentary cluster reconstruction for Standard and Flagship users, and enhanced editing tools.

Whether you’re working in dense vegetation, complex structures, or large-scale terrain, these updates streamline workflows, boost capacity, and accelerate outcomes.

Key takeaways

• Free support for Zenmuse L3 point cloud reconstruction.

• Standard & Flagship licences now come with access to cluster reconstructions (visible light + LiDAR).

• Users can trim flight trajectories, define ROI (Region of Interest), split point-cloud blocks — all to optimise processing time & storage.

• LiDAR Gaussian Splatting reconstruction for DJI Zenmuse L3 improves realism + detail in challenging environments (steel structures, substations, dense vegetation).

• DJI Modify adds large-scale point-cloud rendering support (200 GB+), intelligent memory management and real-time TIN editing with instant preview.

• Enterprises can now process ultra-large aerial survey datasets using multiple networked computers (cluster mode) for both visible light and LiDAR workflows.

• heliguy™ can help you integrate DJI Terra and DJI Modify, and offers ongoing data processing support.

Expert insight

“The enhancements in Terra V5.1 mark a significant leap for enterprise aerial mapping workflows. LiDAR processing support for Zenmuse L3 and cluster-based reconstruction mean teams can manage larger volumes of high-resolution data faster and more cost-effectively than ever. With the added real-time editing in Modify, organisations can iterate results on-the-fly, reducing downtime and increasing output quality.” - Alex Williams, Geospatial Technical Specialist at heliguy™

DJI Terra update: Key features

So, let's take a look at the key updates in DJI Terra and DJI Modify in more detail.

Free support for DJI Zenmuse L3 data processing

DJI Terra provides comprehensive support for DJI Zenmuse L3 data processing at no additional cost.

Users can seamlessly import data to initiate LiDAR point cloud reconstruction tasks without purchasing additional software licenses.

The update notes for DJI Terra state: 'V5.1.0 adds support for visible light reconstruction tasks with data collected by Zenmuse L3. LiDAR point cloud tasks can now be reconstructed for free'.

It means you can download DJI Terra (based on DJI Terra V5.1.0) and process L3 data (LiDAR/visible light) without needing to purchase a Terra licence: A huge bonus for L3 users.

With a single click, generate multiple outputs including 3D point clouds, 2D maps, 3D models, Gaussian Splatting, DEM, and more—streamlining your workflow and maximising operational efficiency.

LiDAR point cloud data local PPK

Accurate point cloud results start with precise positioning. By combining IMU data with GNSS differential processing, DJI Terra ensures each data point is mapped with exceptional accuracy.

To suit different field conditions, DJI Terra offers flexible PPK workflows that maintain reliable results — whether operating in stable RTK environments or more challenging areas.

• Stable RTK Environments: When the RTK signal is strong, DJI Terra can perform raw POS processing, directly using the LiDAR’s recorded RTK data for quick and accurate results.

• Unstable RTK Areas: If the RTK signal becomes unreliable, switch to local PPK processing. Set up a PPK base station (such as the DJI D-RTK 3) at a known point, then import the base station file into DJI Terra. This method refines positional data and improves overall point cloud accuracy.

With these tools, DJI Terra empowers operators to achieve survey-grade precision — even in complex environments.

Flight trajectory trimming, ROI & point-cloud blocking

Terra V5.1 introduces tools to optimise data handling:

• Flight trajectory trimming lets you remove sub-par flight paths before reconstruction, improving dataset quality and reducing wasted processing.

• Custom Region of Interest (ROI) means you can define specific zones for reconstruction (whether point-clouds, 3D meshes, DOM/DEM), saving time and storage by excluding unnecessary regions.

• Blocking of point-cloud data allows custom division of large scans into manageable files, for improved data organisation and processing efficiency

LiDAR 3DGS reconstruction

DJI Terra supports the integration of Gaussian Splatting into Zenmuse L3 point-cloud workflows.

This method blends LiDAR data with visible-light imagery to create more realistic and detailed 3D reconstructions—particularly beneficial in complex structural settings, vegetation-dense sites, or industrial facilities.

Cluster reconstruction for large-scale projects

Enterprises working across expansive survey zones or infrastructure assets often deal with massive datasets. Terra V5.1 addresses this via cluster reconstruction, where multiple computers on a LAN network share the load.

Both visible-light and LiDAR point-cloud projects can now tap into distributed computing to accelerate processing.

Standard and Flagship licence holders now receive this capability at no additional charge.

Existing Cluster Edition users should note that upgrade to V5.1 may require re-configuration of worker devices.

Cluster mode reconstruction for Zenmuse L3 LiDAR point cloud tasks is now available without requiring additional DJI Terra software licenses. Simply log in to the software to begin leveraging distributed computing for your LiDAR reconstruction workflows.

The table below shows the updates to DJI Terra licences.

There are some things to note:

• *The reconstruction of 500+ photos is not supported by the Education version of DJI Terra.

• **The following online features are not available in Offline Mode: Unlocking GEO Zones, Map loading and location searching, Bug report.

DJI Modify: Enterprise-grade editing and rendering

While Terra focuses on reconstruction, DJI Modify handles the editing and visualisation side, and the upgrades are geared for large-scale, high-resolution data:

• Systems with 32GB memory can now load LAS files of over 120GB.

• Intelligent memory management splits large datasets into manageable groups if system memory falls short, ensuring smooth editing performance.

• The enhanced 3D Profile tool supports detailed measurements, precise check-point verification, and exports in LAS format—ideal for integration with downstream workflows.

• Real-time TIN (Triangulated Irregular Network) editing completes the process: Ground classification, smoothing, denoising, and thinning operations are instantly reflected—increasing efficiency and user responsiveness.

Summary

The launch of DJI Terra V5.1 (and companion tool DJI Modify) is a further boost to enterprise aerial mapping and inspection workflows.

LiDAR processing for Zenmuse L3 users, cluster-enabled distributed computing, and advanced editing tools mean surveyors can handle larger datasets, improve accuracy, increase efficiency, and reduce cost overheads.

If you’re investing in drone mapping infrastructure, this update delivers tangible workflow benefits today.

How heliguy™ can help you get started with DJI Terra/DJI Modify

At heliguy™, we can help you integrate DJI Terra V5.1 and DJI Modify into your workflows — from software onboarding and licence optimisation to hardware compatibility (including Zenmuse L3 platforms) and custom workflow setup.

Leverage the support of our in-house survey specialists to ensure you squeeze the most value from your drone data ecosystem.

Contact us today to get started.