Hi - new to the Drone scene, the mini could be a great entry point for me.
I'd like to understand what needs to be done before the first flight?
Are there any zeros/horizon levels to set up? How does the drone know "where it is", at what height, etc?

Cheers

Drone uses GPS / GLONASS to determine location. Typically nothing to setup, unless you see the gimbal is not leveled. In that case there is an option to level the gimbal and re-calibrate. In other DJI drones you may also need to calibrate the compass, not sure if in this one that is needed.

Hi, thanks for the inquiry. We would recommend doing the pre-flight checklist prior to the actual flight such as updating the firmware, IMU calibration and checking the props if it's properly installed as well as the propeller guards. I've attached some video tutorials for installing the prop's guard and updating the firmware. Thank you for your support.

Thanks, but that wasn't my question. How does the drone itself know where it is, what the 0 level is, where the horizon is, etc? How is that calculated/measured/estimated?