Waypoints question. Seasons, daytime, nighttime.

[Bad Santa]

When making waypoints with the Mini 4 Pro, does it rely solely on GPS or is visual included?

Specifically, I'd like to do a few things.

1) I'd like to go out in the spring and do a waypoint mission. Then again, the same mission in the Summer, then Autumn, then Winter.
Since the scenery will change during the seasons, will the drone be able to fly the exact same path based on GPS alone?

2) I'd like to take some scenery shots of night time but be able to assure the obstacles during the day.
If I were to run a waypoint mission during the day, coming close (but not too close) to "obstacles" will the drone be able to avoid collisions if I run the mission after it's dark? Or does it rely, even somewhat, on visual cues when running a waypoint mission?

 

[Conservative Nihilist]

Waypoint missions are precisely repeatable and consistent, given that the flight path is defined by GPS satellite data processed by the drone as it flies the course.

 

[RAC DJI]

Waypoint mission are repeatable and pretty accurate. The only pitfall in your plan is if you intend to get close to an object be mindful that you need to launch the drone from the same location. The elevation of the drone is bases on the launch location. If you happen to launch at a lower elevation you may collide with one of the close objects you referred to.

 

[Meta4]

If I were to run a waypoint mission during the day, coming close (but not too close) to "obstacles" ...

You need to be aware of the limitations to GPS accuracy.
Flying close to obstacles is asking for trouble.
You would need to have a safety margin of at least 20 feet from obstacles, preferably more.

will the drone be able to avoid collisions if I run the mission after it's dark?

As explained in the manual, your obstacle avoidance can't work in low light conditions.

 

[Conservative Nihilist]

You need to be aware of the limitations to GPS accuracy.
Flying close to obstacles is asking for trouble.
You would need to have a safety margin of at least 20 feet from obstacles, preferably more.

As explained in the manual, your obstacle avoidance can't work in low light conditions.

The new LIDAR system that allows the Air 3S's obstacle avoidance capability to function with unerring, bat-like precision in near-total darkness will no doubt morph over the coming months from a novel drone superpower to a standard or optional feature on all DJI drones newer than the Air 3S.

DJI raises the bar of design innovation with virtually every new model they release. On my first day as Global Drone Dictator, my inaugural decree will launch investigations into persistent rumors that DJI re-engineers captured alien craft to remain several steps ahead of fellow Earthlings.

 

[Bad Santa]

I wouldn't want to get closer to 20 feet for what I'm wanting to do.

Good reminder to start from the same spot each time. I'll have to landmark my launch pad.

 

[Droning on and on...]

As stated, OA doesn't work in the dark.

However, you shouldn't need it, because you already ran the mission in daylight, right? Verifying and working out any potential obstacle issues already...

Do not ever run a waypoint mission for the first time at night. It will have necessarily have been created on the map (first time, right?), with no information about obstacles.

A well-planned and constructed WP mission will never need, or benefit from OA.

 

[Conservative Nihilist]

As stated, OA doesn't work in the dark.

However, you shouldn't need it, because you already ran the mission in daylight, right? Verifying and working out any potential obstacle issues already...

Do not ever run a waypoint mission for the first time at night. It will have necessarily have been created on the map (first time, right?), with no information about obstacles.

A well-planned and constructed WP mission will never need, or benefit from OA.

While I am meticulous about calibrating all collision sensors on my drones to ensure glitch-free flying, I NEVER actuate the collision avoidance sensors since all my drone flights are above 150 feet AGL and never close to any obstacle or the ground.

 

[Bad Santa]

While I am meticulous about calibrating all collision sensors on my drones to ensure glitch-free flying, I NEVER actuate the collision avoidance sensors since all my drone flights are above 150 feet AGL and never close to any obstacle or the ground.

I waited to buy a quality drone until it had OA.
There are two ways of enjoying an activity (scene). Observe from the outside, or the inside.
I like both.