Z-Axis Installation Notes

In This Guide

we explain the anchor installation structure and placement strategy for improving Z-axis (height) positioning accuracy using the GrowSpace Q1 Kit in indoor environments.

In spaces where Z-axis accuracy is critical, a simple flat (XY-plane) anchor layout is not sufficient. To achieve precise 3D positioning, a spatial (multi-level) installation structure is required.


3D Position Output with the GrowSpace Q1 Kit

With the GrowSpace Q1 Kit, you can use a developer tag or listener device to monitor real-time 3D position data, including X, Y, and Z coordinates.

Example: Serial communication output

X: 12.34, Y: 56.78, Z: 9.01

For listener devices, this data is provided in the form of POS messages, which include X, Y, and Z values.

This allows you to track not only flat XY positions, but also the height (floor or level) of a person or asset in real time.


Installation Structure Affecting Z-Axis Accuracy

The GrowSpace Q1 system calculates tag positions using TWR (Time of Flight)-based distance measurements. However, if all anchors are installed at the same height (e.g., on the ceiling), the system may encounter the following issues when calculating Z-axis (height) values:

Problem Scenario

  • Even if the tag is located 1 meter above or below the ceiling plane, the measured distance to each anchor remains nearly the same.

  • Because there is little to no difference in distance, the system cannot accurately determine the tag’s Z-axis (height) position.

Incorrect Anchor Installation

→ As a result, the Z-coordinate may be fixed at zero or its accuracy may be significantly reduced.


Anchor Installation for Improved Z-Axis Accuracy

To detect changes along the Z-axis, anchors must be installed at different heights.

  • Place 2 anchors on the ceiling and 2 on the floor, arranged in a crisscross pattern

  • Alternatively, install anchors at varied heights on pillars, walls, or other vertical surfaces

This layout creates measurable distance differences between the tag and each anchor based on height, which helps the system reduce Z-axis positioning errors


Installation Tips for Large Spaces (40m × 20m or Larger)

In wide areas, using only the four corners for anchor placement may result in reduced accuracy.

Item
Details

Basic Setup

Install 4 anchors at the four corners of the space

Additional Anchors

Add 2–3 anchors at the center or along the middle of walls

Height Variation

Distribute anchors at different levels such as ceiling, pillars, and floor

Distance Spacing

Keep the distance between anchors at 15–20 meters or less

Install anchors at varied heights and distributed positions, as described above. This approach ensures a balanced distribution of distance differences between the tag and each anchor, improving not only Z-axis accuracy, but overall 3D positioning performance.


Conclusion

The GrowSpace Q1 Kit supports 3D positioning by default, but to achieve accurate Z-axis measurements, a spatial anchor layout is essential.

  • Installing all anchors at the same height can lead to significant errors in Z-axis positioning

  • Placing anchors at different vertical levels helps minimize Z-coordinate errors

  • In large spaces, it's also important to add supplementary anchors and maintain balanced spacing

If your use case requires precise 3D tracking, make sure to go beyond flat layouts and apply a multi-level anchor installation strategy.

Last updated