DJI Zenmuse L3 LiDAR Payload for Matrice series

Tech Specs

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FAQ

Tech Specs

Buy Now

FAQ

DJI Zenmuse L3

See Through, Far And True

DJI’s next-generation high-accuracy aerial LiDAR system is equipped with a long-range sensor capable of detecting objects up to 950 m away [1], even with only 10% reflectivity. Its dual 100MP RGB mapping cameras and high-precision POS system streamline geospatial data collection, allowing coverage of up to 100 km² per day [2].

Hardware Performance Redefined

The Zenmuse L3 combines a 1535nm long-range LiDAR, dual 100MP RGB mapping cameras, a high-precision POS system, and a three-axis gimbal into one compact, integrated unit. This advanced design delivers exceptional performance and accuracy, setting a new benchmark for aerial surveying systems of its size.

1535nm Long-Range LiDAR

Extended Range, Broad Coverage

The Zenmuse L3 offers a maximum detection range of 950 m [1] at a pulse rate of 100 kHz, tested under 100 klx ambient light on objects with 10% reflectivity.

Its adjustable pulse rate enables flexible power output and optimized performance across various mission profiles. Operating at typical altitudes of 300–500 m [3], it dramatically increases single-flight coverage and enhances mapping efficiency.

A valley surrounded by mountains, with a vertical blue line indicating height.

Small Spot, High Energy

Featuring a laser beam divergence of just 0.25 mrad (1/e²), the Zenmuse L3 achieves a spot size roughly one-fifth that of the Zenmuse L2 at the same range. This allows for the detection of smaller targets such as power lines and branches.

The higher energy density improves penetration through vegetation, resulting in denser ground point clouds and more precise reconstruction of complex terrain and structures.

High Pulse Rate, Multiple Returns
With a maximum laser pulse emission rate of 2 million pulses per second and support for up to 16 returns [4], the Zenmuse L3 provides exceptional spatial accuracy. Point cloud density and penetration depth can be fine-tuned to meet the demands of high-precision mapping or challenging environmental conditions.

Scanning Modes
The Zenmuse L3 supports three scanning modes to suit different operational needs:

Linear: Delivers uniform point cloud distribution, ideal for high-accuracy topographic mapping.
Star-Shaped: Balances accuracy and penetration through multiple scan angles, suitable for forested or dense urban areas.
Non-Repetitive: Covers broader areas with diverse scan angles, optimized for inspecting power lines and other complex structures.

Dual 100MP RGB Mapping Camera System

Featuring dual 100MP 4/3 CMOS RGB sensors with mechanical shutters, the Zenmuse L3 delivers exceptional imaging accuracy and operational efficiency. Pixel binning technology provides an effective 25MP output with larger pixel sizes, ensuring superior color fidelity and performance even in low-light environments.

The dual-camera configuration offers a wide horizontal field of view of up to 107°, enabling each image to cover a significantly larger area. With just a 20% LiDAR side overlap ratio, users can simultaneously capture data for both digital orthophoto maps (DOM) and digital elevation models (DEM) in a single flight—dramatically streamlining mapping workflows and boosting productivity.

Accuracy Meets Efficiency

The Zenmuse L3 delivers major advancements in both point cloud precision and RGB imaging accuracy, while dramatically enhancing operational efficiency. When paired with the DJI Matrice 400, a single flight can cover up to 10 km², enabling high-accuracy mapping of up to 100 km² per day.

Proprietary High-Precision System

The enhanced high-precision POS system achieves heading accuracy of 0.02° and pitch accuracy of 0.01° (post-processed, 1σ). DJI’s self-developed LiDAR ensures ranging repeatability of 5 mm at 150 m (1σ) [5] and supports microsecond-level time synchronization. Every unit is meticulously factory-calibrated to guarantee consistent, reliable, and survey-grade performance in the field.

LiDAR Data Accuracy

The Zenmuse L3 delivers exceptional vertical accuracy—better than 3 cm at 120 m altitude, better than 5 cm at 300 m, and better than 10 cm at 500 m [6]. This level of precision easily supports mapping projects at scales of 1:500, 1:1000, and 1:2000. Additionally, the point cloud thickness generated by the Zenmuse L3 is only half that of the Zenmuse L2, enabling more detailed analysis and superior accuracy in advanced surveying applications.

Photogrammetric Accuracy

Equipped with dual 100MP RGB mapping cameras, the Zenmuse L3 achieves a ground sample distance (GSD) of 3 cm even at a 300 m flight altitude [7].

Real-time position synchronization eliminates the need for ground control points (GCPs), delivering high-quality, accurately aligned imagery for precise and efficient photogrammetric mapping.

High Penetration

High Ground Point Density

With its smaller laser spot and higher single-pulse energy, the Zenmuse L3 delivers exceptional penetration capability.

In terrain mapping and related applications, it captures a greater number of ground points with higher completeness, substantially enhancing the accuracy and integrity of terrain data for precise surface modeling and reconstruction.

High Efficiency End to End Solution

When mounted on the DJI Matrice 400, the Zenmuse L3 achieves exceptional operational efficiency. At a flight altitude of 300 m, a single mission can cover up to 10 km², allowing for daily coverage of up to 100 km². During each flight, the system simultaneously captures LiDAR and RGB data, enabling the generation of multiple mapping products—including DEMs, DOMs, and more—from a single dataset.

DJI Zenmuse L3 D-RTK3 station and Matrice 400

End-to-End Solution

The Zenmuse L3 is fully integrated within DJI’s ecosystem, providing a complete end-to-end mapping workflow. From data acquisition and processing to final application, the system offers a unified, intuitive, and highly efficient experience. Compared to traditional multi-platform setups, this seamless integration simplifies operations, shortens the learning curve, and allows users to complete complex mapping projects with ease.

Data Acquisition

Intelligent Flight Planning and Preview

DJI Pilot 2 automatically suggests optimal flight parameters based on user-defined routes and generates a Density Profile Chart along with point cloud distribution charts before takeoff, allowing users to preview expected point cloud results.

Enhanced Power Line Operations

The Zenmuse L3 greatly improves Power Line Follow capabilities, supporting operations up to 130 m altitude. In most scenarios, it enables complete electrical corridor data capture in a single straight flight without the need to bypass obstacles or cross lines.

Drone flying over a mountainous landscape following power lines

Flexible Data Viewing

DJI Pilot 2 allows split-screen viewing of any two data sources—point cloud, RGB, or Vision Assist—giving users the flexibility to customize displays for specific needs. When performing Power Line Follow or when the RGB cameras face downward, Vision Assist provides real-time forward-facing visuals, reducing flight risks and improving both efficiency and safety.

Real-Time SLAM and Cloud Integration

The system supports real-time point cloud SLAM reconstruction, offering instant 2D and 3D previews during flight. Users can monitor progress and take measurements on the fly, with results instantly syncing to the cloud via DJI FlightHub 2 for rapid emergency response and assessment.

Seamless Cloud Compatibility

Zenmuse L3 point cloud outputs are fully compatible with DJI FlightHub 2. Users can view and manage data in real time, generate detailed flight routes, annotate and share points of interest, and perform advanced line and area measurements directly in the cloud, streamlining post-flight analysis and collaboration.

Aerial view of a forested area with outlined land boundaries.

Data Processing

PPK Data Processing

DJI Terra offers robust built-in PPK (Post-Processed Kinematic) capabilities, compatible with D-RTK 3 and standard base station data.

It supports local PPK processing for both RGB imagery and LiDAR, delivering centimeter-level positioning accuracy even in areas with limited network connectivity or where RTK is unavailable.

LiDAR Gaussian Splatting

With DJI Terra, users can apply advanced Gaussian Splatting fusion to Zenmuse L3 point cloud and RGB data, greatly enhancing the realism and detail of 3D reconstructions.

This technology expands the applicability of LiDAR across a wide range of mapping scenarios and produces higher-quality 3D model outputs.

Fusion-Based Modeling

DJI Terra seamlessly integrates LiDAR and RGB data, enabling a single acquisition to produce high-accuracy point clouds, 2D maps, and 3D mesh models. This fusion enhances model detail and completeness, especially in complex environments like bridges, substations, and urban infrastructure, supporting industries such as energy, transportation, and infrastructure development.

Data Application

Smart Filter

DJI Modify provides intelligent semantic classification of point clouds, automatically distinguishing ground, vegetation, buildings, wires, electric towers, and more. Users can refine categories efficiently using Quick Selection and Structure Selection tools, boosting both classification accuracy and processing speed.

Profile Tool

The Profile tool lets users select cross-sectional areas of point cloud models for intuitive analysis of terrain variations, structural features, and elevation profiles.

Comprehensive Output Capabilities

Paired with DJI Modify, the Zenmuse L3 delivers versatile mapping outputs. DJI Modify can automatically generate semantic point clouds, DEMs, TINs, point grids, and contour lines, with support for multi-layer visualization. These outputs cater to a wide range of engineering and CAD-related workflows.

End-To-End Solution

This solution provides a standardized, sequential workflow for professional aerial operations. Flight routes are planned using DJI Pilot 2, followed by data acquisition on the DJI Matrice 400 with the Zenmuse L3 payload and D-RTK 3 for precise positioning. Captured data is processed in DJI Terra, then applied and refined using tools like DJI Modify for modeling, DJI FlightHub 2 for cloud management, and integration with other software. This setup ensures a controlled, end-to-end workflow from mission planning to final data utilization.

DJI Zenmuse L3 vs. DJI Zenmuse L2

Feature	Zenmuse L3	Zenmuse L2	Advantage
Max Range	Up to 2000 m (@80% reflectivity)	Up to 450 m (@50% reflectivity)	4.4x the range for long-distance missions.
LiDAR Emitter	1535 nm Wavelength	905 nm Wavelength	Longer wavelength for better ambient light rejection and performance.
Max Pulse Frequency	Up to 2000 kHz	240 kHz	Up to 8.3x the data rate for denser point clouds.
Mapping Camera Resolution	100 MP (12288×8192)	25 MP (6144×4096)	4x the resolution for superior photogrammetry.
Data Storage	CFexpress™ Type B (1500 MB/s)	microSD (50 MB/s+)	~30x faster transfer speed to handle massive datasets.
Best Vertical Accuracy	3 cm (RMSE) at 120m	4 cm (RMSE) at 150m	Superior surveying accuracy.

Buy The DJI Zenmuse L3 in Canada and the USA

In The Box:

Zenmuse L3 LiDAR Sensor
Zenmuse L3 Single Gimbal Connector
Storage Case
4× Gimbal Dampers
CFexpress Memory Card
CFexpress Type B Card Reader
DJI M400 Carrying Case Insert
Lens Cleaning Cloth
Screws and Tools

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Notes

Range Definition and Test Conditions
a. Range Definition: The range is defined as the distance at which 50% of emitted laser pulses are detected. When a laser beam hits multiple targets, the total transmitter power is divided, reducing the achievable range.
b. Test Conditions: Measurements were taken under 100 klx ambient light, within the central area of the FOV, using a flat target larger than the laser beam diameter, with perpendicular incidence and atmospheric visibility of 23 km.
c. Maximum Range: By default, the maximum detection range is 900 m. For extended range requirements, contact DJI support or an authorized dealer.
Mapping Coverage
When paired with the DJI Matrice 400, the Zenmuse L3 can achieve up to 100 km² of daily mapping coverage under flat terrain conditions, 300 m nadir flight altitude, 20% side overlap, 17 m/s flight speed, and a total effective flight time of 6 hours.
Altitude Limits
Flying altitude restrictions vary by country or region. Always comply with local laws and regulations.
Laser Returns
Support for up to 16 returns is available at laser pulse frequencies of 100 kHz and 350 kHz only.
LiDAR Ranging Accuracy
Tested at 150 m under 25° C (77° F) ambient temperature and 80% target reflectivity. Actual results may vary depending on environmental and operational conditions; data is provided for reference only.
Laboratory Test Conditions
a. Flights were conducted in a DJI lab using objects with distinct angular features. The Matrice 400 was paired with a position-calibrated D-RTK 3 Multifunctional Station. Flight routes were planned with DJI Pilot 2’s Area Route (Calibrate IMU enabled) using Linear scanning, at 15 m/s, gimbal pitch -90°, and each route segment shorter than 3300 m.
b. Hard-ground checkpoints with diffuse reflection were used.
c. Post-processing was performed in DJI Terra with Optimize Point Cloud Accuracy enabled.
Calculation Methods
For detailed calculation procedures, refer to the user manual available on the DJI Zenmuse L3 Downloads page.
Service Plans and Coverage
Service plans may vary by region. For details, consult your local authorized dealer. Key DJI Care Enterprise Plus benefits include:
- Free Repairs: Repairs covered within scope and limits.
- Fleet Coverage: Shared coverage can extend to other DJI Enterprise devices bound to the same DJI Care Enterprise Plus plan within 30 calendar days of first activation.
- Free Shipping: Available in regions supported by DJI Care Enterprise; users are responsible for additional costs such as logistics and customs duties outside the coverage area.
- For component-specific coverage, see the After-Sales Service Policy under Support on the DJI official website.