DJI Terra vs DJI Modify: Differences and why you might need both

• Find out the differences between DJI Terra and DJI Modify - and how they can be used together;

• DJI Terra is a 3D modelling software equipped with next-generation reconstruction technologies, including 3D Gaussian Splatting;

• DJI Modify is essentially a companion software to DJI Terra, enabling Terra users to benefit from 3D model and point cloud editing;

• The heliguy™ in-house survey team can help you integrate Terra/Modify into your workflows.

DJI Terra? DJI Modify? Or both? It’s a question that our in–house survey team fields a lot.

It’s a valid query. After all, both software solutions support 3D workflows with drone data.

In this blog, we’ll profile each, highlight their differences, and outline how DJI Terra and DJI Modify can be used together for a streamlined end-to-end geospatial solution.

What is DJI Terra?

DJI Terra is DJI’s flagship survey software, designed to convert drone-captured data into accurate 2D and 3D reconstructions and point clouds.

DJI Terra: Key features

• Mission planning: Automated waypoint, area, and corridor missions.

• Photogrammetry: High-resolution 2D maps and 3D models from drone imagery.

• 3DGS: DJI Terra is now capable of Gaussian Splat outputs.

• LiDAR processing: Supports DJI LiDAR data (eg from the Zenmuse L2 and L1).

• Multispectral reconstruction for agriculture: Generate vegetation index maps and prescription maps.

• Data outputs: Orthomosaics, point clouds, 3D meshes, 3DGS, and DEMs.

• Annotation and measurement: Supports accurate measurement of points, lines, areas, and volumes, as well as quick view of the corresponding camera position and original images.

• Other highlights: PPK calculations, import and mark control and check points for visible light reconstruction, and has 8,500+ built-in coordinate systems.

• Use cases: Surveying, construction, inspection, public safety, and environmental monitoring.

Terra handles the data collection and processing part of the workflow - turning drone data into structured geospatial models.

What is DJI Modify?

DJI Modify is a companion application built for model editing and mesh and point cloud repair - specifically tailored to work with DJI Terra’s outputs. It is DJI's first intelligent 3D model editing software.

DJI Modify: Key features

• Mesh cleaning: Automatically identifies and removes floating or unwanted mesh artifacts.

• Hole filling: Patch up missing areas in 3D meshes with AI-assisted tools.

• Efficient point cloud repair: Conduct classification, define classified ground point clouds, and smooth point clouds.

• Smoothing & optimisation: Improve surface realism and reduce polygon count for easier sharing and rendering.

• Streamlines editing process: Modify streamlines the model editing process and provides an end-to-end solution within the DJI ecosystem, without needing a third-party clean-up tool. It is tailored to work with DJI Terra.

• Export & share: Export models in common formats (e.g., .obj, .fbx, .b3dm) for use in Terra or third-party software. Easily share to the cloud via link for web or mobile viewing.

Unlike DJI Terra, which is focused on data generation, DJI Modify is focused on post-processing - offering a fast and intuitive way to polish models without requiring advanced editing skills or third-party software.

It is ideal for model and point cloud tidy up for enhanced visualisation purposes.

DJI Terra and DJI Modify: Key differences

The table below provides an overview of the key differences between DJI Terra and DJI Modify.

How DJI Terra and DJI Modify work together

When used together, DJI Terra and DJI Modify offer a powerful end-to-end workflow:

1. Capture: Plan missions and capture imagery with a DJI drone/payload or third-party payload.

2. Process in DJI Terra: Convert that imagery into point clouds, 3D meshes, and orthomosaics.

3. Refine in DJI Modify: Import the 3D mesh/point cloud from Terra and enhance it—fix holes, smooth surfaces, clean up noise. Modify can be launched within DJI Terra.

4. Export and Use: Export the final model for visualisation, BIM, digital twins, or AR/VR environments.

This integrated workflow is especially useful in:

• Construction and AEC: Create presentation-ready as-builts.

• Public Safety: Generate accurate yet visually refined models of crime or accident scenes.

• Asset Inspection: Clean up large-scale site models for reporting and compliance.

Can I use DJI Terra without DJI Modify?

Yes - DJI Terra is a fully-capable platform on its own, and many users never need to go beyond it.

DJI Modify simply builds on Terra’s offering by enhancing visual editing for 3D meshes - particularly useful in media, AEC, and digital twin contexts.

As such, while Terra handles the full mapping and reconstruction process, DJI Modify adds value in scenarios where users need visual polish or want to clean up artifacts or fill gaps in the model, or enhance their point cloud.

Can I use DJI Modify without DJI Terra?

DJI Modify is designed to work with DJI Terra - not as a standalone replacement.

This is because DJI Modify does not handle aerotriangulation, reconstruction, or point cloud generation, and requires data input.

You need DJI Terra to feed it the initial 3D mesh. Modify then takes over for cleanup, classification, smoothing, and presentation-quality enhancements.

DJI Terra and DJI Modify: Licences

DJI Terra and DJI Modify can be purchased separately or together.

DJI Terra licences and features

The Standard and Flagship licences were introduced recently as part of the v5.0.0 update, replacing the Pro and Electricity licences.

Users who already have the Pro version can upgrade to Standard for free, while Electricity version users can upgrade to Flagship at no cost. Cluster version users get all Flagship features without needing a new license.

The upgrade will happen automatically upon downloading DJI Terra v5.0.0.

DJI Modify licences and features

The standard version is essentially DJI's free version - which users need to apply to DJI for a time-limited trial. The Flagship edition is the paid-for version.

Combining DJI Terra and DJI Modify licences

The table below provides an overview of the key features of DJI Terra and DJI Modify - and how users can benefit by using both together.

As you'll see, pairing the Flagship versions of Terra and Modify provides a comprehensive solution.

Summary

DJI Modify doesn’t replace DJI Terra—it completes it.

If you already use DJI Terra for drone mapping, DJI Modify gives you the tools to elevate the quality of your 3D outputs, making them more polished, shareable, and ready for design pipelines.

At heliguy™, we’re here to help you choose the right software bundle based on your project needs.

Whether you’re surveying a site or presenting a 3D model to stakeholders, DJI Terra and DJI Modify together deliver powerful geospatial intelligence.

Need help choosing the right DJI software?

Contact our in-house survey team to help you unlock the full potential of DJI Terra and DJI Modify.