DJI Terra V5.0.0 update: Powered by Gaussian Splatting

DJI Terra is now powered by 3D Gaussian Splatting (3DGS) - following a major new update released for DJI's advanced modelling software.

Key updates in DJI Terra V5.0.0 include:

• Photorealistic 3D Gaussian Splatting: Capture highly realistic visuals for immersive digital twins.

• Precision photogrammetry: Trusted accuracy for mapping and measurement.

• Advanced LiDAR reconstruction: Adaptable for a wide range of industrial applications.

• Multispectral data support: Actionable insights for agriculture and environmental monitoring.

• High-efficiency cluster processing: Scale up reconstruction with distributed computing.

• End-to-end aerial survey solution: Fully integrated hardware and software ecosystem.

• New licence types: DJI Terra now has new licence types, such as Standard and Flagship, with the latter supporting visible light 3DGS reconstruction.

When integrated with DJI drones, Terra delivers a complete hardware–software workflow for accurate data acquisition, processing, and application, streamlining aerial surveying like never before.

Gaussian Splatting with DJI Terra

DJI Terra now supports Gaussian Splatting: An advanced rendering technique that rapidly creates highly-realistic 3D models from standard photographs.

Compared to traditional visible-light oblique photogrammetry, this method dramatically improves the depiction of complex surfaces, such as delicate details, reflective materials, transparent features, and dense vegetation.

Beyond achieving lifelike visual effects, it also delivers distortion-free orthomosaics, boosting overall output precision and realism.

It means that users can use DJI drones - such as the DJI Matrice 4E - to create photorealistic 3DGS.

The tests we've conducted show that data collected from third-party payloads, such as the SHARE UAV 203S Pro, can be turned into Gaussian Splats in Terra - as shown below.

Exceptional speed for large-scale 3D reconstruction

Terra can handle around 500 images per hour, enabling the reconstruction of an entire city block in just 30 to 40 minutes.

When managing expansive projects with more than 10,000 images, the Gaussian Splatting workflow is twice as fast as the Terra Mesh pipeline - making it a very efficient solution.

This high-speed processing drastically reduces turnaround times, helping users achieve quicker results for massive-scale modeling and real-world deployment.

Optimised for urban and industrial-scale projects

Designed to scale efficiently, Terra allows for city-wide 3D modeling with minimal computing resources.

It can process between 300 and 400 images per gigabyte of RAM, with a single job capable of handling up to 30,000 images. This makes it well-suited for modeling large, complex environments such as city centres, industrial facilities, and major infrastructure networks—laying the groundwork for smart city initiatives and digital urban planning.

Accessible on modest hardware setups

User-friendliness is at the heart of Terra’s design. Its intuitive interface and minimal system requirements mean that even entry-level hardware can run it effectively.

With only 4GB of GPU memory and 32GB of RAM, users can perform Gaussian Splatting workflows without needing expensive, high-spec computers.

This significantly lowers the entry barrier for professionals and organizations looking to adopt advanced 3D technology.

The system requirements on DJI Terra for 3DGS are:

• Windows 10 or later (64-bit).

• At least 32GB RAM.

• NVIDIA graphics card with compute capability 6.1 or higher (minimum 4GB VRAM).

• For best results, use a card with 8GB VRAM or more and update your drivers to the latest version.

Flexible outputs for seamless integration

Terra supports Gaussian Splatting for visible light reconstruction projects, providing both 2D and 3D outputs.

Outputs are available in 3DTiles format (DJI Terra LOD format, compatible with Cesium), PLY universal 3D format, and GeoTIFF universal 2D GIS format.

This ensures compatibility with third-party applications across a wide range of sectors.

The standardised formats allow users to easily repurpose and share data, opening up new opportunities for collaboration and cross-platform deployment.

It's worth noting that Gaussian Splatting currently does not support cluster reconstruction or annotation and measurement within the application.

DJI Terra: New licence types

The release of DJI Terra V5.0.0 brings with it two new licences: Standard and Flagship, which replace the Pro and Electricity licences.

Users of the original Pro version can upgrade to the Standard version for free, while Electricity version users can upgrade to the Flagship version at no cost.

Cluster version users get all Flagship features without needing a new license.

Just download DJI Terra v5.0.0 to get your upgrade automatically.

The table below outlines the features for each licence type.

Please note the following:

* The reconstruction of 500+ photos is not supported by the Education version of Terra. ** Electricity Application includes capabilities such as detailed inspection and visible-light power line scene modeling. *** The following online features are not available in Offline Mode: Unlocking GEO Zones; Map loading and location searching; Bug Report.

DJI Terra V5.0.0: What else is new?

V5.0.0 brings other updates to improve and enhance drone survey workflows. These include:

• Redesigned interface, including reconstruction parameter templates for a smoother, more user-friendly experience.

• Supports NVIDIA's latest RTX 50 series (Blackwell architecture) graphics cards.

• Adds support for 2D map reconstruction using orthophoto data from the DJI Matrice 4T.

• You can now export 3D mesh models in FBX format, making it easier to use your models in engineering, film, and gaming.

• Adds support for exporting 3D point clouds in LAZ format, which uses less storage than LAS.

• Now supports detailed inspection projects with DJI Matrice 4T, DJI Matrice 4D, DJI Matrice 4TD and Matrice 4E drones.

What's been updated in DJI Terra?

As well as adding new features, the V5.0.0 firmware release brings a catalogue of updates. These include:

• Optimised the 3D model display clarity.

• Optimised the speed of accessing the GCP page.

• You can now set output coordinate systems (except for visible light aerotriangulation) directly from the lower left corner of the task page.

• 2D map reconstruction from LiDAR point clouds is now 20% to 50% faster, depending on your hardware and data.

• Machine learning for agricultural applications is now more accurate, with improved recognition of fruit trees, buildings, utility poles, ground, water, and more.

• Users with permanent DJI Terra 5.0.0 licenses can upgrade to the latest version for free. No maintenance fee is required.