Orientation Provider

The Orientation provider accesses the Magnetometer, Gyroscope and Accelerometer sensors of the device to get its X-, Y- and Z-axis orientation.
Z-axis is the compass direction to magnetic north.

Caution
To get any orientation values, the Magnetometer measures the magnetic field of the earth.
Any electrical or magnetic fields from machines, phones, power supplies or other magnetic/electrical sources may disturb or degenerate the orientation values.
Be advised to keep the distance to any electric devices as big as possible to get reliable results.
Tip
Sensor calibration is needed for optimal function. This is done by rotating the device three times around every axis.
The status query gives information about the actual sensor calibration accuracy.


Configuration

  • Accuracy Selects the accuracy and the related power consumption of the orientation results.

    Accuracy / Power consumption Description

    High

    Uses the Rotation Vector (if available) which is a fused combination of the Magnetometer, Gyroscope and Accelerometer sensor. Due to calculation and its usage of three underlying sensors its power consumption is quite high.

    Medium

    Uses the Magnetometer and Gravity sensors. The Gravity sensor values are calculated of the Gyroscope and Accelerometer sensor.

    Low

    Uses the Magnetometer and Accelerometer sensors.

    Tip
    Use high accuracy for navigation and exact bearing values while using medium or low accuracy to display orientation values as visual enhancement in a watchface. These modes consume less power and accuracy is sufficient in most cases.

Query

  • Status
    Get the sensor calibration accuracy status:

    Text Numeric

    N/A

    0

    Sensor not available.

    Excellent

    1

    High accuracy, no calibration needed.

    Fair

    3

    Medium accuracy, calibration may improve the values.

    Poor

    4

    Low accuracy, calibration is necessary.

    Fail

    5

    The values cannot be trusted or they are unreliable/wrong, calibration is mandatory.

  • Azimuth Value (Z-Axis, compass)
    The azimuth angle in degrees between the device’s top edge and magnetic north from 0° - 360°.
    If the top edge of the device faces magnetic North, the azimuth is . If the top edge faces South, the azimuth is 180°.

  • North Direction
    Direction angle in degrees (clockwise) between the top edge of the device and magnetic north.
    Actually this is 360° - azimuth.

  • Pitch Value (X-Axis)
    The pitch value in degrees from -180° - 180°.

  • Roll Value (Y-Axis)
    The roll value in degrees from -90° - 90°.

  • 8 Wind
    Direction names of a 8-wind compass rose.

    Direction Name Degree

    N

    337.50 - 22.50

    NE

    22.50 - 67.50

    E

    67.50 - 112.50

    SE

    112.50 - 157.50

    S

    157.50 - 202.50

    SW

    202.50 - 247.50

    W

    247.50 - 292.50

    NW

    292.50 - 337.50

  • 16 Wind
    Direction names of a 16-wind compass rose.

    Direction Name Degree

    N

    348.75 - 11.25

    NNE

    11.25 - 33.75

    NE

    33.75 - 56.25

    ENE

    56.25 - 78.75

    E

    78.75 - 101.25

    ESE

    101.25 - 123.75

    SE

    123.75 - 146.25

    SSE

    146.25 - 168.75

    S

    168.75 - 191.25

    SSW

    191.25 - 213.75

    SW

    213.75 - 236.25

    WSW

    236.25 - 258.75

    W

    258.75 - 281.25

    WNW

    281.25 - 303.75

    NW

    303.75 - 326.25

    NNW

    326.25 - 348.75

  • Detection Mode
    The operation mode describes which sensor(s) are used to get the orientation values. This depends on the availability of certain sensor types on the device.

    Value Accuracy Used sensors

    RV

    High

    Rotation vector sensor

    MG

    Medium

    Magnetic field and gravity sensor

    MA

    Low

    Magnetic field and accelerometer sensor

     — 

    None

    No sensor available