NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) is a number that shows how healthy and dense plants are, calculated from how much red and near-infrared (NIR) light they reflect. Healthy leaves absorb red light for photosynthesis and reflect a lot of NIR, so they score high; stressed, thin or bare areas score low. A multispectral drone like the DJI Mavic 3 Multispectral photographs a field in those specific bands so software can build an NDVI map and show you where crops need attention.
How NDVI is calculated
NDVI = (NIR − Red) ÷ (NIR + Red)
The result runs from −1 to +1. Dense, healthy vegetation lands high, stressed or sparse plants lower, and soil, water or pavement near zero or below. The map is colored so problem zones stand out, often well before you'd see them from the ground.
Other common indices use different bands: NDRE uses red edge (useful in dense, mature canopies) and GNDVI uses green. DJI notes that NDVI, NDRE and GNDVI need only two or three of its four bands.
Why a normal camera drone can't do it
A regular camera like the one on a Mavic 3 Pro or Mavic 4 Pro records only visible red, green and blue, and it filters out near-infrared. Without a calibrated NIR band and a light sensor, you can't produce a real NDVI map. There's no multispectral version of the Mavic 3 Pro or Mavic 4 Pro; the multispectral model is the Mavic 3 Multispectral (Mavic 3M).
Inside the Mavic 3 Multispectral
- Four single-band cameras: Green (560 nm), Red (650 nm), Red Edge (730 nm) and NIR (860 nm), per DJI's spec page.
- 20 MP RGB camera with a 4/3 sensor for a normal color map.
- Sunlight sensor on top that records light conditions so the index stays consistent as clouds pass. DJI says not to block or scratch it.
- RTK module included, for accurate map positions.
- 43 minutes rated flight time; not waterproof.
DJI's FAQ says you can view vegetation indices like NDVI live on the controller during flight, and recommends flying in good light with the sun at least 30° above the horizon.
The workflow
- Plan a mapping mission in DJI Pilot 2 (or import a KML boundary).
- Fly at a height that gives the detail you need. DJI's FAQ gives GSD for the multispectral camera as height ÷ 21.7 cm per pixel, so 100 m gives about 4.6 cm.
- Process in DJI Terra or DJI SmartFarm to get NDVI and other index maps.
- Scout the low-index zones on the ground to find the cause: water, nutrients, pests or disease.
- Optionally build a prescription map so an Agras spray drone applies more product only where needed.
Who uses it
Farmers and agronomists for crop scouting and variable-rate application, foresters, turf managers and researchers. Flights for business need a Part 107 certificate.
More on mapping in what is drone mapping and best drone for agriculture. The Mavic 3M is sold by quote; contact us.
Related guides
- Using the DJI Mavic 3 Multispectral for precision agriculture
- DJI Mavic 3 Multispectral: specs, uses and pricing
- DJI Matrice 4E vs Mavic 3 Multispectral: which one do you need?
- DJI Mavic 3 Multispectral vs Mavic 3 Enterprise: which one?
- Can drones be used for mosquito control?
- DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise RTK module: install, setup and accuracy
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