The launch of DJI Zenmuse L3 marks a significant new chapter in DJI’s professional LiDAR payload lineup. Building on the proven success of DJI Zenmuse L2, which has become widely adopted for its accuracy, reliability, and seamless integration with DJI Enterprise drones, Zenmuse L3 introduces major advancements in detection range, accuracy, imaging capability, and operational efficiency.
For professionals working in surveying and mapping, infrastructure, energy, mining, and forestry, DJI Zenmuse L3 represents a new era of drone-based LiDAR surveying, delivering higher performance, faster operations, and exceptional data quality across large and complex environments.
Detection range: Zenmuse L3 reaches up to 950 m, nearly double DJI Zenmuse L2’s ~450 m.
Accuracy: L3 achieves 3.5 cm vertical accuracy at 150 m, compared to 4 cm for L2.
Returns: L3 supports up to 16 returns, while L2 supports up to 5, enabling deeper vegetation penetration.
Sampling rate: L3 offers an adjustable 100 kHz–2 MHz range; L2 is fixed at 240 kHz.
Scanning modes: L3 introduces three scanning modes, compared to two on L2.
RGB camera: L3 features dual 100 MP Micro Four Thirds cameras, far exceeding the L2’s single 20 MP sensor.
Operating speed: L3 maintains accuracy at speeds up to 25 m/s, versus 15 m/s for L2.
Drone compatibility: Both support DJI Matrice 400; L2 also supports the M350 RTK and M300 RTK (with RC Plus).
| Main Specifications | Zenmuse L3 | Zenmuse L2 | L3 Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detection Range | Up to 950 m | ~450 m | Nearly doubled range |
| Effective Work Altitude | Up to 500 m | 120-150 m | Much wider coverage |
| Accuracy (150 m) | 3.5 cm vertical / 5 cm horizontal | 4 cm vertical / 5 cm horizontal | Higher precision at altitude |
| Returns | Up to 16 | Up to 5 | Superior vegetation penetration |
| Sampling Rate | 100 kHz-2 MHz (adjustable) | 240 kHz (fixed) | Flexible density control |
| Scanning Modes | Linear, Star-Shaped, Non-Repetitive | Repetitive, Non-Repetitive | Greater adaptability |
| RGB Camera | Dual 100 MP M4/3 | Single 20 MP 4/3 CMOS | Sharper colorization |
| Max Operating Speed | Up to 25 m/s | 15 m/s | Faster surveys |
| Drone Compatibility | DJI Matrice 400 | DJI M400, M350 RTK, M300 RTK | Flagship payload for DJI M400 |
DJI Zenmuse L3 dramatically increases operational efficiency with a detection range of up to 950 meters, and up to 2,000 meters under ideal conditions. Compared to the L2’s 450 m range, this allows surveyors to cover significantly larger areas per flight. This capability is especially valuable for power transmission corridors, open-pit mines, pipelines, and large-scale plantations, where long-range scanning reduces the number of flight lines and missions required.
With a vertical accuracy of 3.5 cm at 150 m, DJI Zenmuse L3 offers improved elevation precision over the L2. This higher accuracy enhances confidence in terrain modeling and volumetric analysis, while reducing the need for extensive post-processing corrections, which is an important benefit for time-critical and high-precision projects.
One of the most significant upgrades is the L3’s ability to capture up to 16 returns, compared to just 5 on the L2. This allows the LiDAR sensor to record multiple layers of information (canopy, sub-canopy, and ground) in a single flight.
Why this matters: A higher number of returns results in more detailed and realistic point clouds, particularly in forested or vegetated environments, enabling accurate terrain models even under dense cover.
Unlike the fixed 240 kHz sampling rate of DJI Zenmuse L2, the Zenmuse L3 introduces an adjustable sampling rate from 100 kHz to 2 MHz. This flexibility allows operators to balance point density and penetration based on mission requirements, whether prioritizing long-range corridor mapping or ultra-dense data capture for engineering-grade surveys.
While the L2 offered limited scanning patterns, DJI Zenmuse L3 introduces three selectable scanning modes, providing unmatched adaptability:
This adaptability ensures consistent data quality across a wide range of environmental and operational conditions.
DJI Zenmuse L3 integrates two 100 MP Micro Four Thirds RGB cameras, a substantial leap from the L2’s single 20 MP sensor. This advanced imaging system delivers:
Sharper, more realistic point cloud colorization
A wider 107° horizontal field of view, reducing flight paths
Fast shooting at 0.5 seconds per image, minimizing motion blur
Improved nighttime imaging through pixel binning, producing effective 25 MP imagery
High-detail orthophotos with a ground sample distance (GSD) of just 3 cm, even at 300 m altitude
These improvements significantly enhance both visual interpretation and analytical accuracy.
DJI Zenmuse L3 maintains high accuracy at flight speeds of up to 25 m/s, compared to DJI L2’s optimal speed of 15 m/s. This enables rapid data acquisition over long corridors and large areas, reducing mission time and operational costs without compromising data quality.
DJI Zenmuse L3 is purpose-built for the DJI Matrice 400, using a new customized mounting system optimized for flagship performance. DJI Zenmuse L2 remains compatible with the M300 RTK, M350 RTK, and M400, making it a flexible choice for existing DJI Enterprise fleets.
Importantly, Zenmuse L3 is not a replacement for the L2. Instead, it represents a professional-grade evolution designed for users who require maximum range, speed, and data density for demanding missions.
DJI Zenmuse L3 delivers a substantial leap forward in aerial LiDAR technology. With a detection range of up to 950 meters, 3.5 cm vertical accuracy, support for up to 16 returns, dual 100 MP RGB cameras, and highly flexible scanning and sampling options up to 2 MHz, it sets a new benchmark for efficiency, speed and data quality.
For industries that demand high-precision mapping across large and complex areas, DJI Zenmuse L3 stands as the most advanced solution in the DJI aerial LiDAR ecosystem, while DJI Zenmuse L2 continues to serve as a reliable and versatile option for established workflows.
As the official dealer of DJI Enterprise in the Middle East and North Africa, GNSS.AE provides comprehensive support for professional drone solutions, including technical consultation, certified training, after-sales support and on-site demonstrations, helping organizations unlock the full potential of DJI Enterprise technologies.
