Reconstruction software is often expected to produce ready-to-use outputs. In practice, it produces intermediate results.
No matter if photogrammetry or LiDAR, the raw output will require an amount of post-processing to get it to the delivery-ready state. Meshes contain noise and artifacts, point clouds include unwanted objects, and models often need simplification before they can be shared or imported into CAD or GIS systems.
This “last-mile” stage — editing and preparation — is where a significant amount of time is spent. It is also the stage where many workflows become fragmented, requiring external tools and manual processing.
This is the problem that DJI Modify is designed to address.
A typical mapping workflow can be simplified into three stages:
DJI Modify sits between reconstruction and final delivery. In a DJI-based workflow, this typically looks like:
The key point is that Modify is not a reconstruction tool. It does not replace Terra or photogrammetry software. Instead, it operates on already generated models.
DJI Modify is the first dedicated editing and refinement tool that DJI has developed for 3D models, and is intended to work with models produced through photogrammetry and LiDAR workflows. Unlike reconstruction tools, it operates on already processed datasets and focuses on preparing them for analysis, visualization, or delivery.
One of the key capabilities of DJI Modify is semantic classification of point clouds.
Using the Smart Filter tool, the software can automatically distinguish between:
After automatic classification, tools such as Quick Selection and Structure Selection allow refinement of specific elements without reprocessing the entire dataset. If automated methods are not enough, DJI Modify also supports manual reclassification using polygon, brush, or point-based selection.
Beyond classification, DJI Modify provides a set of core processing tools:
DJI Modify supports generation of standard terrain products:
This enables the use of processed datasets directly in surveying, planning, and civil engineering workflows without requiring additional software.
For photogrammetry-based outputs, DJI Modify includes a set of tools for automatic mesh correction, targeting common issues found in reconstructed models.
Typical operations include:
A key design principle is automation. Many operations that traditionally require manual selection or scripting — such as removing vehicles or flattening surfaces — are handled through batch or one-click workflows.
DJI Modify is closely integrated with DJI Terra and isn’t designed to work as a standalone editing tool. Terra supports a wide range of enterprise platforms, including the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise, DJI Matrice 350 RTK, and newer systems such as the DJI Matrice 400. In a Terra project, Modify can be launched directly with a single click, with pre-processed datasets automatically prepared for editing.
This integration creates a continuous workflow:
However, this also makes a key limitation: DJI Modify currently works only with models generated in DJI Terra and does not support third-party reconstruction outputs.
More detailed analysis of DJI Terra’s processing pipeline and recent updates was covered in a previous article: DJI Terra 5.2, Modify 1.6 and FlightHub 2: Key Updates for Mapping and Inspection Workflows
DJI Modify is designed for high-density datasets and requires relatively powerful hardware:
These requirements reflect its focus on handling large-scale 3D models rather than lightweight visualization tasks.
Unlike traditional 3D editing tools, Modify focuses on structured, task-based operations rather than manual modeling. The goal is not full control, but speed and consistency. This makes it closer to a production tool than a design tool.
DJI Modify is most effective in workflows where speed and repeatability are more important than maximum control.
Typical scenarios include:
In these cases, DJI Modify reduces the need for exporting data into third-party tools.
One of its main advantages is the ability to perform operations such as selection, filtering, and simplification directly on large datasets without rebuilding the model.
The same design decisions that make DJI Modify efficient also define its limitations. It is less suitable in workflows that require:
For example, high-precision engineering workflows often require more control over tie points, camera calibration, or classification logic. These tasks are typically handled in specialized software such as Pix4D or Agisoft-based environments.
Modify also assumes that the input data is already of sufficient quality. It does not correct fundamental reconstruction errors — it only refines outputs.
Parameter | |||
Typical role | Post-processing (editing only) | Full pipeline (reconstruction + editing) | Full pipeline (reconstruction + editing) |
Processing time (medium dataset, ~500–1000 images) | 5–20 min for cleanup operations | 2–6 hours total processing | 4–12+ hours depending on settings |
Editing approach | Automated (one-click / batch) | Semi-automated | Highly manual / configurable |
Level of control | Limited | Medium | High |
Hardware dependency | High (GPU-based editing) | Medium (local or cloud) | High (local workstation) |
Typical output accuracy control | Low | Medium | High |
For a standard mapping dataset (500–1000 images):
By contrast, DJI Modify operates after reconstruction, meaning:
This comparison highlights a key structural difference:
As a result:
DJI Modify does not compete with these tools directly. It replaces only a specific subset of their functionality — the part that deals with cleaning and preparing already reconstructed models.
DJI Modify isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for editing models. It’s a specialized tool crafted to make a specific part of the workflow smoother: getting reconstructed data ready for use.
Its strength lies in reducing friction between processing and delivery, especially in workflows that rely on DJI Terra and enterprise drone platforms. However, it does not replace more advanced tools where detailed control, customization, or cross-platform compatibility is required.
In practice, DJI Modify is most effective when used as intended — as a fast, integrated step between reconstruction and final output, rather than as a full-featured editing environment.
