The Mavic 3 Multispectral (Mavic 3M) helps farms see crop stress before it shows to the eye. It flies a mapping mission and captures a 20 MP RGB image plus four multispectral bands (green, red, red edge and near-infrared). Software like DJI Terra or DJI SmartFarm Web turns those into NDVI, GNDVI or NDRE maps, then into prescription maps that tell an Agras spray drone where to apply more or less. DJI says one flight can map up to 200 hectares under its test conditions.
What the Mavic 3M measures
| Camera | Details |
|---|---|
| RGB | 4/3 CMOS, 20 MP, mechanical shutter |
| Multispectral | Four 5 MP cameras, fixed focus |
| Bands | Green, Red (650 nm), Red Edge (730 nm), NIR (860 nm) |
| Sunlight sensor | Built in, records solar irradiance |
Healthy leaves reflect a lot of near-infrared light and absorb red. Stressed or thin crops reflect less NIR. Vegetation indices compare these bands to put a number on crop vigor. DJI notes that NDVI, NDRE and GNDVI need only two or three of the four bands, so the lack of a blue band matters little for crop monitoring.
The sunlight sensor is key. It records light levels in every image so the software can correct for clouds and time of day. That keeps maps from different flights comparable. DJI says not to block or scratch it, and not to fit the cellular dongle during multispectral capture because it can block the sensor.
Common uses
- Crop health scouting: find weak areas fast, then walk only those spots.
- Variable-rate fertilizer: DJI cites rice fertilization, cotton growth regulation and potato foliar feeding as examples.
- Stand counts and growth tracking across a season.
- Orchards, vineyards and forestry, including terrain-follow mapping on slopes.
You can also view vegetation indices like NDVI live on the controller during flight.
Flight settings that matter
- Sun angle: DJI recommends good light with the sun at least 30° above the horizon.
- Exposure: for beginners, DJI suggests Auto exposure on both cameras.
- Resolution: DJI's GSD formulas are flight height ÷ 37.2 for RGB and ÷ 21.7 for multispectral, in cm per pixel. At 120 m that's about 3.2 cm RGB and 5.5 cm multispectral.
- Height limits: DJI's 200-hectare figure was flown at 217 m. In the US, Part 107 limits most flights to 400 ft (122 m), so expect less area per flight.
- RTK: the RTK module comes standard. Use network RTK or a D-RTK base for accurate, repeatable maps.
- Terrain follow: works with downward vision or an imported DSM file.
From map to sprayer
DJI describes the full loop: the Mavic 3M captures images, DJI Terra or SmartFarm Web generates index maps, and those become prescription maps that Agras drones execute as variable-rate applications. Paired with an Agras T50 or Agras T25, one team can scout and treat with the same ecosystem.
Note that images are DN values, not reflectance. Reflectance calibration happens during processing.
Limits to know
- Not waterproof.
- Not compatible with DJI Goggles or dual controller operation.
- Index maps show where crops differ, not why. Ground-truth before you act.
Learn the basics in what is NDVI or see the Mavic 3 Multispectral guide. Shop the Mavic 3 Multispectral or browse agriculture drones.
Related guides
- DJI Mavic 3 Multispectral: specs, uses and pricing
- NDVI and multispectral drones explained (Mavic 3 Multispectral)
- Best drone for agriculture (2026): mapping and spraying
- Can drones be used for mosquito control?
- DJI Matrice 4E vs Mavic 3 Multispectral: which one do you need?
- DJI Mavic 3 Multispectral vs Mavic 3 Enterprise: which one?
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