In a continuous effort to expand the capabilities of our software offering and meet the demands of our users, we launched a series of features designed further to streamline the mapping workflow with drones in different scenarios.
In this article, you will learn about DJI Terra's Versions 4.4 newly added features and how to use them
1. DJI Terra enhances 3D Reconstruction with Matrice 4E
Smart 3D Capture is a flight route specially designed for subject-oriented photogrammetry. It uses the object's surface and builds a flight path to automate the capture of every side of the object, capturing surfaces with any slope and orientation in 3D space. Smart 3D Capture can obtain more details and higher-resolution images, thereby generating 3D Models with millimeter-level Resolution.
The recently launched Matrice 4E supports Smart 3D Capture functionality. Utilizing the built-in DJI Terra 3D Reconstruction engine, the DJI RC Plus 2 Enterprise remote controller can directly generate a rough model, and based on the rough model, quickly generate a mapping Flight Route close to the subject's surface, efficiently completing detailed capture and modeling of irregular buildings and other subjects, greatly simplifying the workflow.
The new Matrice 4E
Now DJI Terra is deeply adapted for M4E data 3D Reconstruction. For reconstructing photos with different focal lengths caused by Close Photography, Terra uses a better Focus Accuracy Compensation method to ensure aero triangulation and model accuracy. The best part is no further steps are needed, after the user imports the Smart 3D Capture data into DJI Terra for one-click processing, DJI Terra automatically makes the corrections and outputs the high-precision 3D Model.
2. PPK Reconstruction is now available for Matrice 4E
For those unfamiliar with the concept, PPK (Post-Processing Kinematic) is a GNSS dynamic post-differential processing technology that can collect satellite observation data from both the base station and drone, and import it into DJI Terra for calculation to obtain high-precision POS data.
Using PPK technology, neither the base station nor the UAV requires network communication. In regions where network RTK is unstable or unavailable, PPK is an efficient solution for obtaining high-precision mapping results.
PPK Operation Tutorial
How to use PPK with Matrice 4E and the D-RTK 3
During field operations, set up the D-RTK 3 at a known point and configure it to base station mode. M4E executes the mapping Flight Route Mission while the D-RTK 3 is powered on and logging corrections.
Import the data from D-RTK 3 and M4E into DJI Terra for local PPK processing. There's no need to modify the base station file name, as DJI Terra can automatically recognize the satellite observation data from the drone and PPK base station. Set local PPK and click start calculation to obtain high-precision POS data.
PPK Settings and Calculation
The PPK function supports the calculation of PPK base station data from D-RTK 3, D-RTK 2, and third-party GNSS stations. Currently, it only supports the calculation of M4E Visible Light images. More DJI Enterprise Mapping Solutions will be supported in the future. Please continue Following DJI Terra version update information.
Base station file types supported by PPK
3. LiDAR and Visible Light Fusion Reconstruction
In 2023, DJI released the LiDAR and visible light integrated payload Zenmuze L2, significantly enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of 3D data collection. Now we are pleased to announce that DJI Terra fully supports LiDAR and Visible Light Fusion Reconstruction: Import Zenmuse L2 data into DJI Terra to simultaneously generate both LiDAR and RBG outputs such as 3D Point Clouds, 2D Map, 3D Models, Classified Point Clouds, and Vector Terrain with a single click.
Let's further explore these new Zenmuse L2 outputs:
2D Maps
When executing area route tasks with the Zenmuse L2, the default parameters for lateral overlaps are 20% for the point cloud and 37% for visible light, this may result in poor visible light 2D Reconstruction DOM effects and in extreme cases, may not be able to stitch.
The new lidar point cloud reconstruction mission supports direct fusion reconstruction using the photos and point cloud data collected, resulting in higher-quality orthophotos. Compared to orthophotos obtained using only visible light photos, fusion reconstruction performs better at the edges of buildings and in regions with high elevation differences.
Using only L2 visible light photos (Left) and L2 fusion reconstruction (Right)
3D Model
DJI Terra LiDAR point cloud reconstruction mission supports outputting 3D model data. For scenes with many small structures like substations and bridges, the substation mode supports outputting higher-quality 3D models. Compared to 3D models obtained by traditional photogrammetry methods, the Substation Reconstruction mode is specially designed to provide better models for powerlines and substation facilities.
Mapping Mission Tips:
To obtain a high-quality 3D Model, it is recommended to follow these parameters
- Flight Altitude of 100 meters: Lateral Overlap:40%; Longitudinal Overlap: 80%; Flight Speed: 15 meters/second;
- Flight Altitude of 150 meters: Lateral Overlap:40%; Longitudinal Overlap: 80%; Flight Speed: 10 meters/second;
Users already using the Zenmuse L2, can use the DJI Terra Fusion Reconstruction function for free.
Important Notes:
- For version V4.0.0 and subsequent versions, it is recommended to use a NVIDIA graphics card with a compute capability of 6.1 or above (4G VRAM).
- For version V4.0.0 and subsequent versions, the online license no longer supports Offline use for three days.
- Zenmuse L2 requires the latest firmware version to collect Data using Waypoint Mission Display. Currently, non-flight Route Flights and Power Line Follow missions do not support Flight Route Waypoint Display.
