DJI Zenmuse L3 | Next-Generation Aerial LiDAR and Imaging System
Experience the future of aerial mapping with the DJI Zenmuse L3, an advanced, all-in-one LiDAR and camera solution built for precision, performance, and productivity. Engineered for professional applications in mapping, infrastructure inspection, forestry, and industrial surveying, the L3 delivers outstanding accuracy and efficiency in every mission.
The Zenmuse L3 integrates a high-performance LiDAR module with an extended detection range, a powerful RGB camera (featuring a 4/3-inch or full-frame sensor), a high-precision IMU, and a 3-axis stabilized gimbal all in a lightweight, streamlined design.
Key Highlights
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Exceptional Point Cloud Density: Captures up to 5 or more laser returns, enabling detailed penetration through vegetation and complex terrain.
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Extended Detection Range: Reaches distances of up to 500 meters on low-reflectivity targets with vertical accuracy of 2-3 cm and horizontal accuracy of 3-4 cm, ideal for 1:1000-scale topographic mapping or better.
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Optimized Workflow: Seamless integration with DJI Matrice RTK platforms and DJI Terra software ensures efficient LiDAR data processing and photogrammetry.
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Enhanced Reliability: Features improved IMU calibration, a wider operating temperature range, and reduced overall weight for smoother, more flexible operation in demanding environments.
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Efficient Coverage: Designed for large-scale mapping missions, allowing operators to capture extensive areas in just one or two flights.
Long Range, Wide Coverage
Zenmuse L3 achieves a maximum detection range of 950 m at a pulse rate of 100 kHz, tested under 100 klx ambient light and on objects with 10% reflectivity. The adjustable pulse rate allows for flexible power output and optimal adaptation to different operational scenarios. Typical flight altitudes of 300 to 500 m significantly expand single-flight coverage and boost mapping efficiency.
Small Spot, High Energy
With a laser beam divergence of just 0.25 mrad (1/e²), the spot size at the same range is about one-fifth that of Zenmuse L2, enabling detection of smaller objects such as power lines and branches. Higher energy density results in stronger penetration capability, significantly increasing ground point density beneath vegetation and enabling high-accuracy reconstruction of complex terrains and structures.
High Pulse Rate, Multiple Returns
With maximum laser pulse emission frequency of 2 million pulses per second and support for up to 16 returns, Zenmuse L3 delivers highly accurate spatial reconstruction. Point cloud density and penetration capability can be adjusted to fit needs from high-accuracy mapping to complex environments.
Scanning Modes
Supports Linear, Star-Shaped, and Non-Repetitive scanning modes for different operational scenarios:
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Linear: Achieves more consistent point cloud distribution, ideal for high-accuracy terrain mapping.
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Star-Shaped: Balances accuracy with multiple scan angles and penetration capability, well-suited for forests or dense urban environments.
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Non-Repetitive: Provides multiple scan angles and broader coverage, optimized for power line inspections and other complex structural surveys.
High Accuracy
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Proprietary High-Precision System: The upgraded high-precision POS system achieves heading accuracy of 0.02° and pitch accuracy of 0.01° (post-processed, 1σ). The self-developed LiDAR delivers ranging repeatability of 5 mm at 150 m (1σ) and supports microsecond-level time synchronization. Each unit undergoes rigorous factory calibration to ensure consistently reliable survey results.
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LiDAR Data Accuracy: Vertical accuracy is better than 3 cm at 120m altitude, better than 5 cm at 300 m, and better than 10 cm at 500 m [6], easily supporting mapping projects at 1:500, 1:1000, and 1:2000 scales. The point cloud thickness produced by Zenmuse L3 is only half that of Zenmuse L2, supporting advanced analysis and high-accuracy applications.
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Photogrammetric Accuracy: With dual 100MP RGB mapping cameras, Zenmuse L3 achieves a ground sample distance (GSD) of 3 cm even at a 300m flight altitude. Real-time position synchronization enables operation without ground control points (GCPs), ensuring high-quality imagery for precise mapping
High Penetration
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High Ground Point Density: With a smaller laser spot and higher single-pulse energy, Zenmuse L3 offers superior penetration capability. In terrain mapping and similar applications, it captures more ground points with greater completeness, significantly improving the accuracy and integrity of terrain data for precise surface fitting and reconstruction.
End-to-End Solution
Zenmuse L3 seamlessly integrates with DJI's ecosystem to deliver an end-to-end mapping solution. From data acquisition and processing to application, this unified workflow is simpler to operate and easier to master than traditional multi-platform setups, helping users efficiently complete a wide range of mapping tasks.
The DJI Zenmuse L3 See Through, Far and True
Applications
Topographic Survey
Earthwork
Geological Disaster Investigation
Engineering Survey
Forestry Management
Electricity
Mining Survey
Emergency Survey
Compatibility
DJI Matrice 400
In the Box
1 - DJI Zenmuse L3
1 - DJI Zenmuse L3 Single Gimbal Connector
1 - DJI Storage Case
4 - Gimbal Dampers
2 - CFexpress Type B Memory Card
1 - CFexpress Type B Card Reader
1 - DJI Matrice 400 Carrying Case Insert (Zenmuse L3)
1 - Lens Cleaning Cloth
Screws and Tools
Specifications
SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS
Point Cloud System Accuracy:
- At 120m Flight Altitude:
- Vertical Accuracy: 3 cm (RMSE)
- Horizontal Accuracy: 4 cm (RMSE)
- At 300m Flight Altitude:
- Vertical Accuracy 5 cm (RMSE)
- Horizontal Accuracy: 7.5 cm (RMSE)
Measured under the following conditions in a DJI laboratory environment:
1. The field contained objects with obvious angular features. DJI Matrice 400 was linked to a position-calibrated D-RTK 3 Multifunctional Station. The flight route was planned using DJI Pilot 2's Area Route (with Calibrate IMU enabled) with Linear scanning. The flight speed was set to 15 m/s, gimbal pitch to -90°, and each straight segment of the flight route was less than 3300 m.
2. Using exposed hard ground checkpoints that conformed to the diffuse reflection model.
3. DJI Terra was used for post-processing with Optimize Point Cloud Accuracy enabled.
Point Cloud Thickness:
- 1.2 cm@1σ (120m nadir flight altitude)
- 2 cm@1σ (300m nadir flight altitude)
Measured in Linear scanning mode, using check points on 80% reflectivity objects, with neither point cloud optimization nor downsampling enabled in DJI Terra. For 6σ, multiply the listed thickness by 6.
Combined Horizontal FOV (Dual RGB Mapping Cameras): 107°
Composed by merging images from two cameras with a 45° optical axis angle between them.
RGB Ground Sampling Distance (GSD): Average Value: 3 cm (300m nadir flight altitude)
For detailed calculation methods, refer to the user manual available on the Downloads page of the official DJI Zenmuse L3 webpage.
Weight: 1.60 kg (without single gimbal connector)
The Zenmuse L3 single gimbal connector weighs 145 g.
Dimensions: 192×162×202 mm (L×W×H)
Measured in the default stabilized state after power-on with non-orthogonal gimbal design.
Power: 64 W (typical), 100 W (max)
Supported Aircraft: DJI Matrice 400 (requires the Zenmuse L3 single gimbal connector)
Ingress Protection Rating: IP54
Operating Temperature: -20° to 50° C (-4° to 122° F)
Storage Temperature: -40° to 70° C (-40° to 158° F)
LiDAR
Laser Wavelength: 1535 nm
Laser Beam Divergence: 0.25 mrad (1/e²)
Laser Spot Size: Φ 41 mm@120 m (1/e²), Φ 86 mm@300 m (1/e²)
Detection Range:
- 700 m@10% reflectivity, 350 kHz
- 950 m@10% reflectivity, 100 kHz
- 2000 m@80% reflectivity, 100 kHz
1. Range Definition: The range is defined as the distance at which 50% of the emitted laser pulses are detected. If a laser beam hits more than one subject, the total laser transmitter power is split and the achievable range is reduced.
2. Test Conditions: 100 klx ambient light, within the central area of the FOV, using a flat subject with a size larger than the laser beam diameter, a perpendicular angle of incidence, and an atmospheric visibility of 23 km.
3. The maximum detection range is 900 m by default. For a longer range, contact DJI support or an authorized dealer.
Wire Detection Range:
- 21.6mm Steel Core Aluminum Stranded Wire:
- 18.4mm Black PVC Insulated Wire:
1.Range Definition: The distance at which a fully scanned section of wire in mapping achieves a point density of 4 points per meter.
2. Test Conditions: 100 klx ambient light, 23km atmospheric visibility, LiDAR center FOV perpendicular to the wire, Non-Repetitive scanning mode, drone flying along the wire at 15 m/s, and the wire is clean and not aged.
Ranging Accuracy:
- Absolute Accuracy: ±10 mm
- Repeatability: < 5 mm (1σ)
The above specifications can be met under test conditions of 25° C (77° F) ambient temperature, 350 kHz pulse rate, 80% object reflectivity, and distances of 120 m and 300 m. The actual environment may differ from the testing environment. The figure listed is for reference only.
Minimum Effective Detection Distance: 10 m
Laser Pulse Emission Frequency:
- 100 kHz, recommended flight altitude < 500 m
- 350 kHz, recommended flight altitude < 300 m
- 1000 kHz, recommended flight altitude < 100 m
- 2000 kHz, recommended flight altitude < 50 m
Number of Returns:
- 4, 8, 16 returns (100 kHz, 350 kHz)
- 4, 8 returns (1000 kHz)
- 4 returns (2000 kHz)
Cross-Cycle Calculation: 7 times
Scanning Mode and FOV:
- Linear Scanning Mode: Horizontal 80°, vertical 3°
- Star-Shaped Scanning Mode: Horizontal 80°, vertical 80°
- Non-Repetitive Scanning Mode: Horizontal 80°, vertical 80°
Laser Safety Classification: Class 1 (IEC 60825-1:2014)
RGB MAPPING CAMERA
Sensor: 4/3 CMOS
Lens:
- Equivalent Focal Length: 28 mm
- FOV: 73.3° (diagonal), 62° (horizontal), 41.2° (vertical)
- Aperture: f/2.0-f/11
Shutter:
- Mechanical Shutter: 2-1/1500 s (f/2.0), 2-1/2000 s (f/2.8-f/11)
- Shutter Count: 500,000
- Electronic Shutter: 2-1/16000 s
Photo Size:
- 100 MP: 12288×8192
- 25 MP: 6144×4096
Minimum Photo Interval:
Video Specification:
- Video Format: MP4 (MPEG-4 HEVC/H.265)
- Resolution:
- 4K: 3840×2160@30fps
- FHD: 1920×1080@30fps
POSITION AND ORIENTATION SYSTEM (POS)
GNSS Update Rate: 5 Hz
POS Update Rate: 200 Hz
Attitude Error:
- Yaw Angle: 0.02° (post-processed, 1σ)
- Pitch/Roll Angle: 0.01° (post-processed, 1σ)
Positioning Accuracy:
- Horizontal Accuracy: 1.0 cm + 1 ppm (RTK fix)
- Vertical Accuracy: 1.5 cm + 1 ppm (RTK fix)
Supported PPK Differential Data Formats:
- DAT: Generated in Base Station Mode by D-RTK 3 Multifunctional Station and D-RTK 2
- RINEX: v2.1x, v3.0x
- RTCM: v3.0, v3.1, v3.2, v3.3 (protocols: MSM3, MSM4, MSM5, MSM6, MSM7)
- OEM: OEM4, OEM6
For field operation, ensure the distance between the Multifunctional Station and the aircraft does not exceed 15 km, and the Multifunctional Station supports satellite observation with more than two GNSS constellations.
GIMBAL
Degrees of Freedom: 3-axis (pitch, roll, yaw)
Angular Accuracy: ±0.01°
Mechanical Range:
- Pitch: -135° to +73°
- Roll: -90° to +60°
- Yaw: -105° to +105°
Structural limit, not controllable range.
Controllable Range:
- Pitch: -120° to +60°
- Yaw: -80° to +80°
Roll is uncontrollable, for stabilization only.
Self-Check Method:
- Roll Axis: Self-check not required
- Yaw Axis: Checks using limit stop
- Pitch Axis: Self-check not required
Mounting Method: Detachable DJI SKYPORT (Zenmuse L3 single gimbal connector)
DATA STORAGE
Raw Data Storage: Photo/IMU/Point cloud/GNSS/Calibration files
Standard Memory Card: CFexpress™ Type B Memory Card, sequential write speed 1500 MB/s
Standard Card Reader: Read/write speed > 900 MB/s
SOFTWARE ECOSYSTEM
Data Collection: DJI Pilot 2
Data Processing: DJI Terra
Data Application: DJI Modify
Cloud Application: DJI FlightHub 2
Data Format:
- DJI Terra supports exporting point cloud models in the following formats:
Standard Point Cloud Format: PNTS/LAS/LAZ/PLY/PCD/S3MB
- DJI Modify supports importing point cloud models in the following formats:
Standard Point Cloud Format: LAS
