DJI ZENMUSE L3

Nov 4, 2025

DJI ZENMUSE L3

 

See Through, Far and True

CONTACT

DJI’s next-generation high-accuracy aerial LiDAR system features a long-range LiDAR capable of reaching up to 950 m even on objects with just 10% reflectivity. Dual 100MP RGB mapping cameras and a high-precision POS system accelerate geospatial data acquisition, enabling daily coverage of up to 100 km².

Long range, wide coverage: Zenmuse L3 achieves a maximum detection range of 950 m at a pulse frequency of 100 kHz, tested with ambient light of 100 klx and on objects with 10% reflectivity. The adjustable pulse frequency allows for flexible output power and optimal adaptation to different operating scenarios. Typical flight altitudes of 300 to 500 m significantly extend [3] the coverage of a single flight and increase mapping efficiency.

Punto pequeño, alta energía: con una divergencia del rayo láser de solo 0,25 mrad (1/e²), el tamaño del punto en el mismo rango es aproximadamente una quinta parte del de Zenmuse L2, lo que permite detectar objetos más pequeños, como cables eléctricos y ramas. Una mayor densidad de energía se traduce en una mayor capacidad de penetración, lo que aumenta significativamente la densidad de puntos en el suelo bajo la vegetación y permite una reconstrucción de alta precisión de terrenos y estructuras complejos.

High heart rate, multiple beats: With a maximum laser pulse emission rate of 2 million pulses per second and support for up to 16 returns [4], Zenmuse L3 offers high-precision spatial reconstruction. Point cloud density and penetration capability can be adjusted to suit your needs, from high-precision mapping to complex environments.

Scanning modes: Supports linear, star-shaped, and non-repetitive scanning modes for different operating scenarios:
• Linear: achieves a more uniform distribution of the point cloud, ideal for high-precision terrain mapping.
• Star-shaped: Balances accuracy with multiple scanning angles and penetration capability, well suited for forests or dense urban environments.
• Non-repetitive: Provides multiple scanning angles and wider coverage, optimized for line inspections.

Accuracy meets efficiency

Zenmuse L3 offers significant improvements in both point cloud and RGB accuracy, while raising efficiency to new heights. Combined with DJI Matrice 400, a single flight can cover up to 10 km², enabling up to 100 km² of high-precision mapping per day. Highly accurate results are achieved over large areas with a smooth workflow.

High precision

LiDAR Data Accuracy

Vertical accuracy is better than 3 cm at 120 m altitude, better than 5 cm at 300 m, and better than 10 cm at 500 m, making it easy to carry out mapping projects at scales of 1:500, 1:1000, and 1:2000. The thickness of the point cloud produced by Zenmuse L3 is only half that of Zenmuse L2, enabling advanced analysis and high-precision applications.

Photogrammetric accuracy

With two 100 MP RGB cameras, Zenmuse L3 achieves a ground sampling distance (GSD) of 3 cm even at a flight altitude of 300 m. Real-time position synchronization allows operation without ground control points (GCPs), ensuring high-quality images for accurate mapping.

Eye protection

When the drone is not in flight, Zenmuse S1 automatically dims the light to 40% of its maximum brightness to prevent glare and protect the operator’s vision.

Efficient remote control shortcuts

Zenmuse V1 supports customizable remote control shortcuts, allowing you to set buttons to adjust brightness, turn the light on and off, or change the lighting mode. This makes it convenient and intuitive to use, significantly enhancing the user experience.

Strong environmental adaptability

With an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance, the Zenmuse S1 can operate in ambient temperatures ranging from -20° to 40° C (-4° to 104° F), making it adaptable to a variety of operating environments.

High penetration

High density of elevated points

With a smaller laser spot and higher energy per pulse, Zenmuse L3 offers superior penetration capability. In terrain mapping and similar applications, it captures more terrain points with greater completeness, significantly improving the accuracy and integrity of terrain data for precise surface fitting and reconstruction.

High efficiency

When mounted on the DJI Matrice 400, the Zenmuse L3 offers exceptional efficiency. At a flight altitude of 300 m, a single flight can cover up to 10 km², allowing for daily coverage of up to 100 km².

Simultaneously captures LiDAR and RGB data to generate a range of cartographic products from a single flight, including DEM, DOM, and more.

End-To-End Solution

Zenmuse L3 integrates seamlessly with the DJI ecosystem to deliver a comprehensive mapping solution. From data acquisition and processing to application, this unified workflow is easier to manage and master than traditional multi-platform setups, helping users efficiently complete a wide range of mapping tasks.

PPK data processing

DJI Terra features robust built-in PPK (post-processed kinematic) capabilities, compatible with D-RTK 3 and standard base station data. The platform supports local PPK for RGB and LiDAR imagery, providing centimeter-level positioning accuracy even in areas with limited network connectivity or where RTK is unavailable.

LiDAR Gaussian Splatting

DJI Terra enables advanced reconstruction based on Gaussian Splatting fusion of point cloud and RGB data collected by Zenmuse L3, dramatically improving the realism and detail of 3D models. This capability expands the scope of LiDAR application in various mapping scenarios and delivers higher-quality 3D model results.

Fusion-based modeling

DJI Terra enables deep integration of LiDAR and RGB data. With a single acquisition, users can simultaneously generate high-precision point clouds, 2D maps, and 3D mesh models. This data fusion approach significantly improves model integrity and detail, especially in environments with complex structures such as bridges and substations. It meets the needs of industries such as energy, transportation, and infrastructure.

Data application

Smart filter

DJI Modify supports intelligent semantic classification of point clouds, automatically distinguishing between ground, vegetation, buildings, cables, power towers, and more. After classification, users can effectively adjust categories using quick selection and structure selection tools, further improving classification accuracy and processing efficiency.

Profile tool

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

Comprehensive output capabilities

When combined with DJI Modify, Zenmuse L3 delivers versatile results. DJI Modify automatically generates a wide range of mapping products from point cloud data, including semantic point clouds, DEM, TIN, point grids, and contour lines, and supports multi-layer visualization. These results meet the diverse needs of CAD design and engineering workflows.

Data security

Zenmuse L3 supports CFexpress™ memory card encryption, allowing you to securely protect stored data and prevent unauthorized access or data theft. Matrice 400 offers one-click log deletion and AES-256 encryption for video transmission, further ensuring data confidentiality.

DJI Care Enterprise

Comprehensive Protection | Professional Quality Guarantee | Exclusive Service | Renewable until the 3rd Year

Basic

It offers basic protection, an entry-level plan with low-cost replacement.

Low-cost replacements

  • 2 times a year, Express Replacement

Official warranty

  • Extended warranty for long-lasting protection

Free shipping

  • Free repairs by mail, hassle-free service

Expert service

  • Quick response from DJI product experts

Plus

Provides comprehensive protection with a worry-free plan that requires no additional fees.

Free repairs

  • Unlimited number of free repairs within the coverage limit.

Coverage for your entire fleet

  • Shared limit for maximum protection

Free shipping

  • Free repairs by mail, hassle-free service

Expert service

  • Quick response from DJI product experts

Application scenarios

FREQUENT QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions
Which aircraft is the Zenmuse L3 compatible with? On which gimbal interface can it be mounted?
Compatible with DJI Matrice 400, requires the use of the Zenmuse L3 single gimbal connector. Ensure that the gimbal connector is connected to the E1 port on the bottom of the aircraft. Otherwise, mapping accuracy will be reduced.
What is the protection level of the Zenmuse L3?
Zenmuse L3 can achieve an IP54 rating according to IEC60529 under controlled laboratory conditions. To ensure maximum protection levels:
1. Before installation, make sure the interface and gimbal surface are dry.
2. Before use, ensure that the gimbal is securely installed on the drone and that the CFexpress™ card protective cover is clean, free of foreign objects, and closed.
3. Before opening the CFexpress™ card protective cover, clean the surface of the drone.
4. The level of protection will decrease over time due to normal wear and tear of the device.
What is the laser pulse emission frequency of Zenmuse L3? How many returns does it support?
4, 8, 16 returns (100 kHz, 350 kHz)
4, 8 returns (1000 kHz)
4 returns (2000 kHz)
How does the range of the Zenmuse L3 change with different laser pulse frequencies?
290 m (center), 200 m (edge) with 10% reflectivity, 2000 kHz, recommended operating altitude ≤ 50 m
400 m (center), 280 m (edge) with 10% reflectivity, 1000 kHz, recommended operating altitude ≤ 100 m
700 m (center), 500 m (edge) with 10% reflectivity, 350 kHz, recommended operating altitude ≤ 300 m
950 m (center), 650 m (edge) with 10% reflectivity, 100 kHz, recommended operating altitude ≤ 500 m

1. Definition of range: Range is defined as the distance at which 50% of the emitted laser pulses are detected. If a laser beam strikes more than one object, the total power of the laser transmitter is divided and the achievable range is reduced.
2. Test conditions: 100 klx ambient light, within the central area of the field of view, using a flat object larger than the laser beam diameter, a perpendicular angle of incidence, and 23 km atmospheric visibility.
3. The maximum detection range is 900 m by default. For a longer range, contact DJI technical support or an authorized dealer.

How many scanning modes does Zenmuse L3 have? In what situations are they applicable?
Supports linear, star-shaped, and non-repetitive scanning modes for different operating scenarios:
1. Linear: achieves a more uniform distribution of the point cloud, ideal for high-precision terrain mapping.
2. Star-shaped: balances accuracy with multiple scanning angles and penetration capability, well suited for forests or dense urban environments.
3. Non-repetitive: provides multiple scanning angles and wider coverage, optimized for transmission tower reconstruction and other complex structural surveys.
What improvements does Zenmuse L3 offer compared to the previous generation?
Hardware performance improvements:
1. Zenmuse L3 offers improved LiDAR performance. When measured at the same distance, Zenmuse L3 produces a laser spot approximately one-fifth the size of L2 and supports up to 16 returns. This means much greater penetration capability, longer range, and higher range accuracy.
2. The new 100 MP dual RGB camera system for mapping offers a horizontal field of view of up to 107°, compared to 73.7° for L2.
3. POS accuracy has been improved to 0.02° for heading and 0.01° for roll and pitch.
Improvements in accuracy and efficiency:
1. The vertical accuracy of Zenmuse L3 is better than 3 cm at 120 m altitude, better than 5 cm at 300 m, and better than 10 cm at 500 m. The thickness of the point cloud produced by Zenmuse L3 is only half that of Zenmuse L2, enabling advanced analysis and high-precision applications.
2. 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 terrain points with greater completeness, significantly improving the accuracy and integrity of terrain data for precise surface fitting and reconstruction.
3. When mounted on the DJI Matrice 400, Zenmuse L3 offers exceptional efficiency. At a flight altitude of 300 m, a single flight can cover up to 10 km², enabling daily coverage of up to 100 km².
What is the purpose of the dual 100 MP RGB camera system?
The dual-camera system with RGB mapping expands the horizontal field of view to 107°, allowing each acquisition to cover a wider area. Even with a 20% LiDAR lateral overlap ratio, data for both digital orthophoto maps (DOM) and digital elevation models (DEM) can be captured in a single flight, significantly improving operational efficiency.
What type of CFexpress™ memory card does Zenmuse L3 require? What happens if I use a card that is not included?
We recommend using the CFexpress™ Type B memory card (1 TB) included with Zenmuse L3. This card is specifically optimized for the unique storage requirements of L3 point cloud data, images, and calibration files, ensuring ideal write speed, power efficiency, and file management.
Using a CFexpress™ card not included in the package may result in slower write speeds or less efficient power management, which could cause frame loss during operational file storage, thereby affecting the accuracy of results. When a card not included in the package is inserted, the application will display a warning message.
Why do the left and right images from the Zenmuse L3 dual 100 MP Liveview RGB camera sometimes appear with different brightness levels?
To ensure uniform exposure in the final images, each camera uses center-weighted metering to optimize resolution. If the left and right cameras capture scenes with significantly different ambient lighting, there will be visible differences in brightness on the Liveview screen.
Why do I see a seam in the live view of the Zenmuse L3 100 MP dual RGB camera under certain conditions?
It is recommended to maintain a minimum distance of 20 m between L3 and the ground/subjects. If the distance is too short, the left and right cameras may capture significantly different perspectives of the scene, resulting in visible seams in the live view.
What is the difference between operating at 100 MP and 25 MP? For which situations is each one suitable?
100 MP (high resolution): provides more pixels and more accurate image details, although it requires more storage space. At the same ground sample distance (GSD), it allows for higher flight altitudes and is recommended for operations above 150 m.
25 MP (high sensitivity): features a larger equivalent pixel size, better signal-to-noise ratio, and higher sensitivity. It requires less storage and, for the same GSD, needs lower flight altitudes, making it suitable for operations at 150 m or less.
Is the Zenmuse L3 single gimbal mount compatible with other DJI Enterprise payloads?
The Zenmuse L3 single gimbal connector is currently only compatible with L3. Mounting other aerial mapping payloads may reduce mapping accuracy. For example, if Zenmuse H30T is mounted, video images may suffer from slight vibrations, which may affect advanced features such as Smart Track, automated aerial power line inspection, and others.
When Zenmuse L3 is recording video, why does the gimbal not re-center, and which RGB camera is used for recording?
During video recording, only one camera is active. Specifically, when recording video, the RGB camera on the right side (facing the LiDAR) is used.

SPECS

Specifications

System specifications

Product name

  • Zenmuse L3

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 predetermined stabilized state after power-up with a non-orthogonal gimbal design.

Power

  • 64 W (typical)
    100 W (maximum)

Supported Aircraft

  • DJI Matrice 400 (requires Zenmuse L3 single gimbal connector)

Point cloud system accuracy

  • At a flight altitude of 120 m:
    Vertical accuracy: 3 cm (RMSE)
    Horizontal accuracy: 4 cm (RMSE)

    At a flight altitude of 300 m:
    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 characteristics. The DJI Matrice 400 was connected to a D-RTK 3 multifunctional station calibrated in position. The flight path was planned using the Area Route function (with Calibrate IMU enabled) of DJI Pilot 2 with linear scanning. The flight speed was set to 15 m/s, the gimbal tilt to -90°, and each straight segment of the flight path was less than 3300 m.
    2. Exposed hard terrain control points that fit the diffuse reflection model were used.
    3. DJI Terra was used for post-processing with the Optimize Point Cloud Accuracy feature enabled.

Point cloud thickness

  • 1.2 cm@1σ (nadir flight altitude of 120 m)
    2 cm@1σ (nadir flight altitude of 300 m)

    Measured in linear scan mode, using control points on objects with 80% reflectivity, without point cloud optimization or subsampling enabled in DJI Terra. For 6σ, multiply the indicated thickness by 6.

Index of protection against water and dust ingress

  • IP54.

Combined horizontal field of view (dual RGB mapping cameras)

  • 107°

    Composed by merging images from two cameras with a 45° angle between their optical axes.

RGB Ground Sampling Distance (GSD)

  • Average value: 3 cm (nadir flight altitude of 300 m)

For detailed information on calculation methods, please refer to the user manual available on the download page of the official DJI Zenmuse L3 website.

RGB Ground Sampling Distance (GSD)

  • Average value: 3 cm (nadir flight altitude of 300 m)

    For detailed information on calculation methods, please refer to the user manual available on the download page of the official DJI Zenmuse L3 website.

Operating temperature

  • De -20 °C a 50 °C (de -4 °F a 122 °F)

Storage Temperature

  • De -40 °C a 70 °C (de -40 °F a 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 with 10% reflectivity, 350 kHz.
    950 m with 10% reflectivity, 100 kHz.
    2000 m with 80% reflectivity, 100 kHz.

    1. Definition of range: Range is defined as the distance at which 50% of the emitted laser pulses are detected. If a laser beam strikes more than one object, the total power of the laser transmitter is divided and the achievable range is reduced.
    2. Test conditions: 100 klx ambient light, within the central area of the field of view, using a flat object larger than the laser beam diameter, a perpendicular angle of incidence, and 23 km atmospheric visibility.
    3. The maximum detection range is 900 m by default. For a longer range, contact DJI technical support or an authorized dealer.

Cable detection range

  • 21.6 mm aluminum braided cable with steel core:
    300 m at 100 klx, 350 kHz
    18.4 mm black PVC insulated cable:
    100 m at 100 klx, 350 kHz

    1. Definition of range: distance at which a fully scanned cable section in the mapping reaches a point density of 4 points per meter.
    2. Test conditions: ambient light of 100 klx, atmospheric visibility of 23 km, LiDAR central field of view perpendicular to the cable, non-repeating scan mode, drone flying along the cable at 15 m/s, and the cable is clean and not aged.

Range accuracy

  • Precisión absoluta: ±10 mm.
    Repetibilidad: < 5 mm (1σ).

    The above specifications can be met under test conditions with an ambient temperature of 25°C (77°F), a pulse frequency of 350 kHz, an object reflectivity of 80%, and distances of 120 m and 300 m. The actual environment may differ from the test environment. The figure shown is for reference only.

Minimum effective detection distance

  • 10m

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)

Effective Illumination Angle

  • 15±1° (10 % relative illuminance, low light mode and both on mode)
    4±0.5° (10 % relative illuminance, high light mode)

Calculation between cycles

  • 7 times

Scanning mode and field of view

  • Linear scan mode: horizontal 80°, vertical 3°
    Star scan mode: horizontal 80°, vertical 80°
    Non-repetitive scan mode: horizontal 80°, vertical 80°

Laser safety classification

  • Class 1 (IEC 60825-1:2014)

RGB mapping camera

Gimbal

  • 4/3 CMOS

Lens

  • Equivalent focal length: 28 mm.
    Field of view: 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 interval between photos

  • JPEG:
    25 MP: 0,5 s
    100 MP: 1 s

Video specifications

  • Video format: MP4 (MPEG-4 HEVC/H.265)
    Resolution:
    4K: 3840×2160@30fps
    FHD: 1920×1080@30fps

Position and Orientation System (POS)

GNSS update frequency

  • 5 Hz

Point of sale discount 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 correction)
    Vertical accuracy: 1.5 cm + 1 ppm (RTK correction)

Supported PPK differential data formats

  • DAT: Generated in base station mode by the D-RTK 3 and D-RTK 2 multifunctional stations.
    RINEX: v2.1x, v3.0x.
    RTCM: v3.0, v3.1, v3.2, v3.3 (protocols: MSM3, MSM4, MSM5, MSM6, MSM7).
    OEM: OEM4, OEM6

    DAT: Generated in base station mode by the D-RTK 3 and D-RTK 2 multifunctional stations.
    RINEX: v2.1x, v3.0x.
    RTCM: v3.0, v3.1, v3.2, v3.3 (protocols: MSM3, MSM4, MSM5, MSM6, MSM7).
    OEM: OEM4, OEM6

Gimbal

Degrees of freedom

  • 3 axes (pitch, roll, yaw)

Angular accuracy

  • ±0,01°

Mechanical Range

  • Tilt: -135° to +73°
    Swivel: -90° to +60°
    Offset: -105° to +105°

    Structural limit, uncontrollable range.

Controllable range

  • Tilt: from -120° to +60°
    Swivel: from -80° to +80°

    The rocking is uncontrollable, only for stabilization.

Self-assessment method

  • Sway axis: No self-check required
    Yaw axis: Checks using limit stop
    Pitch axis: No self-check required

Assembly method

DJI SKYPORT detachable (Zenmuse L3 single gimbal connector)

Data storage

Raw data storage

  • Photo files/IMU/point cloud/GNSS/calibration

Standard memory card

  • CFexpress™ Type B memory card, sequential write speed of 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