DJI Technology Maps Dangerous Khumbu Icefall on Mount Everest

DJI, a global leader in civil drones and creative camera technology, has released details of its Khumbu Icefall mapping project on Mount Everest. Nepali drone company Airlift Technology utilized DJI Matrice 4E drones and DJI Terra software to create high-resolution 3D models of the route, considered one of the most dangerous sections of the ascent.

Traditionally, ensuring the safety of the Khumbu Icefall passage required weeks of dangerous work by a team of Sherpas, known as "Icefall Doctors." They inspect the terrain on foot, place ladders, and fix ropes. The new drone technology allows for aerial surveys at altitudes above 6,000 meters and temperatures below -20°C to be completed in a matter of hours. The DJI Matrice 4E mapped over 3 square kilometers of the icefall in just 3.5 hours.

The collected flight data was processed in DJI Terra to generate centimeter-accurate 3D models. These models aided expeditions in identifying crevasses, surface shifts, and seracs (ice towers). By comparing models from different time periods, teams could understand ice movement and identify unstable areas, facilitating safer route planning and equipment placement.

The technology proved crucial during the 2026 climbing season when a rare, large-scale serac field formed, blocking the route to the summit and trapping hundreds of climbers. Drone data allowed for rapid reconstruction of new routes, enabling rescue operations and freeing stranded climbers. Furthermore, the ability to quickly and repeatedly model the icefall provides scientists with valuable data for monitoring glacier changes and understanding the impacts of climate change.