# 2.1. Preliminary preparation and drone check

> Source: https://topodrone.com/knowledge/topodrone-dji-mavic-2-pro-ppk/2-1-preliminary-preparation-and-drone-check/
> Section: TOPODRONE DJI MAVIC 2 PRO PPK
> Updated: 2026-10-02

Before working with the TOPODRONE DJI Mavic 2 Pro PPK, it is strongly recommended to read the DJI Mavic 2 PRO manual. It is available on the official website: [https://dl.djicdn.com/downloads/Mavic\_2/20200707/Mavic\_2\_Pro\_Quick\_Start\_Guide\_EN.pdf](https://dl.djicdn.com/downloads/Mavic_2/20200707/Mavic_2_Pro_Quick_Start_Guide_EN.pdf) This manual and any training do not cancel the requirements, restrictions and recommendations of the manufacturer's official manual.

Proper drone preparation means following clear rules to ensure flight safety and the best quality and accuracy of the final materials. Safety is the top priority in operation.

**Pre-flight preparation.**

1. **Check**. All drone components must be in good condition: damage, cracks and malfunctions are not acceptable. Carefully inspect the propellers, motor mounts, motors, frame, gimbal, micro-SD card, wires and connectors.
2. **Charging**. Charge all drone batteries, the remote controller (RC) and the mobile device to 100%. Never use a DJI Intelligent Battery charged to less than 90%, especially if self-discharge has already started. This may cause the flight mission to end prematurely.
3. **Studying the area**. Before flying, study the area in one of the following services: DJI GEO, AirMap or PilotHub, and get to know the places and objects nearby. Do not fly in no-fly zones: airports, prisons, stadiums. Military bases, government facilities and strategic sites (power plants, dams, nuclear plants, etc.) are particularly dangerous and are usually not marked in GEO services. Power lines near the flight area can cause electromagnetic interference when flying close to them.
4. **Settings**. In the DJI Go 4 app, select the following parameters. They make it easy to control the drone manually.  
1. **Distance limit** – it is recommended to select “turn off”  
2. **Maximum Flight Altitude** – recommended value 500 meters  
3. **Return to home altitude** – it is recommended to select 100 meters or higher. In any case, this value can be changed later.  
4. **RC MODE settings** – stick axis assignment; it is strongly recommended to select mode 2.  
5. **EXP tuning** – allows more precise control of the drone; recommended value 0.10  
6. **RC signal lost** – drone action when the signal is lost. Recommended value - “Return to home”.  
7. **Low battery warning** – recommended value: no less than 20%

> **Warning:** **DJI Go 4 App** is the main app for DJI drones. Some parameters may be unavailable in third-party apps. It is recommended to fly in manual mode using the DJI Go 4 App.

> **Warning:** In some countries the maximum permitted UAV flight altitude is 120 meters. Setting the maximum flight altitude to 500 meters allows the drone to follow the terrain at more than 120 meters above the take-off point, but not above the terrain itself.

> **Warning:** If the survey area is far away (more than 1 km), increase this value to 30%

> **Warning:** Camera settings are described in section 2.3 of this manual.