DJI Mavic 2 in Depth Series – Part 2 – Aircraft Safety

In the second part in our Mavic 2 Pro and Zoom in-depth series, we're looking at the safety systems on the two new drones. Click the link for more information.

Last updated: Mar 11, 2021

8 minute read

DJI Mavic 2 in Depth Series – Part 2 – Aircraft Safety DJI Mavic 2 in Depth Series – Part 2 – Aircraft Safety Continuing our in-depth look at the new DJI Mavic 2 Series, we’re looking at the safety systems available on the two new drones. Like all DJI’s recently released drones, the Mavic 2 Series are packed with safety mechanisms to help prevent any incident during flight either by pilot error or system failure. These two drones include DJI’s most advanced obstacle sensing and avoidance to date as well as many other aspects to improve their safety. Keep reading to find out more on the safety systems available on the Mavic 2 Pro and Zoom.

Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing on the Mavic 2

For the first time on a DJI drone, obstacle sensing is available on every side of the drone. The sensors offer the most enhanced safety system on a DJI drone to date. A combination of cameras, infrared sensors and a Bottom Auxiliary Light are used in the Mavic 2's FlightAutonomy system. The below are available: Forwards – Dual vision sensors give precise measurement with a range of between 20 to 40 meters. The vision system is capable of detecting obstacles at up to 31.3 mph (50.4 kph) and stopping the drone in flight. Front sensors on DJI Mavic 2 Backwards – Dual vision sensors give precision measurements up to 16 meters with a range of between 16 to 32 meters. Obstacles can be detected at up to 26.8 mph (43.2 kph) allowing the drone to automatically stop. Rear sensors on DJI Mavic 2 Sideward – A left and right vision system can detect obstacles at up to 17.9 mph (28.8 kph). Only available in ActiveTrack and Tripod Modes. Side sensors on DJI Mavic 2 Upwards – An infrared sensing system offers precise measurement at up to eight meters. Upward sensors on DJI Mavic 2 Downwards – Dual vision sensors offer precision measurements up to 11 meters with an operational range of between 11 to 22 meters. An infrared system is also available at up to eight meters. Accurate hovering is possible at up to 50 meters and advanced landing. A Bottom Auxiliary Light helps to assist the sensors in low light conditions. Always use when flying indoors for enhanced protection. Downward sensors on DJI Mavic 2 Please Note – The Vision Systems are not available when flying your drone in the Sport Mode. Please be careful when flying in this mode and only use in open areas.  

Mavic 2 APAS (Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems)

APAS utilises the Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing to automatically avoid obstacles when flying forwards and backwards. The drone will react to the controls input by the pilot, however, the drone will plan its path avoiding obstacles. If a path can’t be created, the drone will hover in place and wait for the pilot’s input. There’s also a pause button for flight during an APAS flight. If paused, the Mavic 2 will stop in flight and await an input from the pilot. APAS can be found to the left-hand side of the DJI GO 4 main screen as highlighted below:   Once selected, protection will be offered to your drone for backwards and forwards flight. If you fly your drone sideways, APAS will automatically be deactivated during the movement. Check out APAS in action below: APAS is a tool designed for flying in complex environments such as woods or around buildings. It’s also a great addition for new pilots who want additional protection and peace of mind when learning how to fly their drone. Please Note – APAS can only be accessed when flying in P-Mode and cannot be used in conjunction with other Intelligent Flight Modes.

Mavic 2 RTH (Return to Home)

The DJI Mavic 2 Pro and Zoom feature a wide range of RTH options, helping you automatically return to your Home Point in a number of different scenarios. Smart RTH, Low Battery RTH and Failsafe RTH are all present on the Mavic 2 Series. Before taking off, set your Home Point to ensure your drone returns to the correct position. Using a landing pad can help you mark where you set off from. To set the Home Point, turn on the Mavic 2 and ensure there’s sufficient GPS signal, then wait for the Home Point notification. You can also set your RTH altitude within the settings on the DJI GO 4 app. Make sure you assess the area and set the point higher than any surrounding obstacles. >20 Meters - If the RTH is activated further than 20 m from the Home Point, the Mavic will rise to the set altitude and begin the RTH process at 12 m/s. 5 to 20 Meters - If the drone is between 5 and 20 m of the Home Point, the drone will fly at its current altitude at a speed of 3 m/s if the drone is flying higher than 2 m. <5 Meters - If the Mavic 2 is within 5 m of the of the Home Point, it will immediately land. During the RTH, the forward and backward vision sensors will be operational when there’s enough light present. If an obstacle is detected, the drone will decelerate to a stop and ascend until a clear path is found. The Mavic 2 will then continue the RTH at that height.

Smart RTH

Smart RTH is used to automatically bring the drone back to its Home Point at the touch of a button. In the DJI GO 4 app or on the Mavic 2 Remote Controller, tap the RTH button to begin the drone’s return.

Low Battery RTH

The Low Battery RTH is activated when your Mavic’s battery is reduced to a level where the RTH may be affected. A warning will be given on the DJI GO 4 app that the RTH will begin. If no action is taken within ten seconds, the drone will return to the Home Point. The RTH process can be cancelled, however, this may result in insufficient battery being left to effectively land the drone. If the drone cannot reach its Home Point it will begin to automatically land to prevent damage.

Failsafe RTH

In Failsafe RTH, the Mavic 2 will return to the Home Point if the signal is lost between the drone and Remote Controller for more the two seconds. If activated, the drone will begin the RTH process retracing its flight route recorded by the Forward Vision System during flight. If the signal between the drone and controller is re-established, the Mavic 2 will hover in place for ten seconds and await the pilot input. If no action is made, the drone will begin the RTH in a straight line.

Mavic 2 Landing Protection

An additional feature also available on the Mavic 2 during the RTH is the Landing Protection. When using the Smart RTH, the Mavic 2 will check the Home Point is suitable for the drones landing to land gently. If the ground is not suitable, the drone will hover and await instruction from the pilot. If the drone is in Low Battery RTH or Failsafe RTH, the Mavic will assess the ground from 2 m away and await instruction from the pilot. If capable, the drone will assess the ground and land as it would in the Smart RTH.

Mavic 2 Aircraft Safety Systems Specifications

Take a look at the specifications of the sensing system on the DJI Mavic 2 drones:

Aircraft Safety

Sensing System

Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing

Forward

Precision Measurement Range: 0.5 - 20 m
Detectable Range: 20 - 40 m
Effective Sensing Speed: ≤ 14m/s
FOV: Horizontal: 40°, Vertical: 70°

Backward

Precision Measurement Range: 0.5 - 16 m
Detectable Range: 16 - 32 m
Effective Sensing Speed: ≤ 12m/s
FOV: Horizontal: 60°, Vertical: 77°

Upward

Precision Measurement Range: 0.1 - 8 m

Downward

Precision Measurement Range: 0.5 - 11 m
Detectable Range: 11 - 22 m

Sides

Precision Measurement Range: 0.5 - 10 m
Effective Sensing Speed: ≤ 8m/s
FOV: Horizontal: 80°, Vertical: 65°

Operating Environment

Forward, Backward and Sides:
Surface with clear pattern and adequate lighting (lux > 15)
Upward:
Detects diffuse reflective surfaces (>20%) (walls, trees, people, etc.)
Downward:
Surface with clear pattern and adequate lighting (lux > 15)
Detects diffuse reflective surfaces (>20%) (walls, trees, people, etc.)

Summary of the Mavic 2 Safety Systems

The DJI Mavic 2 Pro and Zoom have the most impressive safety mechanisms we’ve seen on DJI’s consumer and professional models to date. The Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing helps keeps your Mavic safe in complex environments, even when using Intelligent Modes; ActiveTrack 2.0 and Tripod Mode. DJI’s dedication to keeping their equipment safe if refreshing to see, for a technology company. Improvements are steadily being seen across each iteration of the Mavic Series as well as DJI wider releases. In the next post in our in-depth series, we'll be looking at camera on the Mavic 2 Pro and Zoom drones.

Mavic 2 Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to the FAQs we’ve had so far on the Mavic 2 drones: How do I clean the vision system? It’s recommended a lens cloth is used to clean sensors. How do I calibrate the vision system? To calibrate the system, use the DJI Assistant 2, following the onscreen prompts. Each camera will need to be calibrated. Our full guide can be found in the heliguy™ Knowledge Base here. When should I calibrate the vision system? If the drone is crashed or you notice any flying irregularities. How do I ensure the best results from the vision system?
  • Avoid flying over a monochrome surface
  • Don’t fly over reflective or transparent surfaces such as snow or water
  • Don’t fly over moving surfaces such as grass or shrubs
  • Don’t fly in an area where lighting dramatically changes
  • Don’t fly in dark areas
  • Don’t fly over repeated patterns such as tiles
  • Don’t fly around small obstacle such as power lines

To discuss the new DJI Mavic 2 Pro and Zoom or any DJI, please give one of our team a call on 0191 296 1024 or email us at info@heliguy.com.
Keep checking back to Heliguy’s Insider Blog for more announcements, insights into drones and, of course, the latest news from the drone industry.

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