Local-floor space combines local origin and estimated floor height, now mandatory in OpenXR 1.1. Understand alignment, events, and uses.
Direct answer
The XR_REFERENCE_SPACE_TYPE_LOCAL_FLOOR space maintains the orientation and X/Z coordinates of the LOCAL space, but positions the Y origin at the best estimate of the floor made by the runtime. In OpenXR 1.1, runtimes must offer this type of reference. It facilitates sitting or standing experiences that require flooring without relying on a configured STAGE area, but source changes still need to be received per event and applied at the indicated time.
Floor origin simplifies human scale
Objects, avatars, and vertical boundaries can use coherent height without asking each application to invent its own calibration.
Local-floor is not stage
It doesn't necessarily offer walkable boundaries. STAGE remains appropriate when the application depends on a configured secure area.
The runtime can recalibrate the source
Changes generate XrEventDataReferenceSpaceChangePending. Ignoring the event may cause content to skip or become misaligned.
Compatibility requires enumeration
In previous runtimes or specific combinations, the application must enumerate available spaces and maintain alternative instead of assuming support.
Nexus Reading
A common floor improves portability and onboarding, but needs a strategy for changes in origin, physical limits and validation in the environment where the solution operates.
FAQ
What is the difference between LOCAL and LOCAL_FLOOR?
LOCAL_FLOOR keeps the X/Z and orientation of LOCAL, but places Y in the floor estimate.
Is it the same as STAGE?
No. STAGE can provide a delimited area; local-floor offers floor origination without requiring these limits.
Does the floor never change?
It may change with recalibration. The application must process the change event in the indicated time.
Essential guides to delve deeper into the decision
This editorial analysis was produced by Nexus from the official sources below, consulted on September 21, 2026. The text is original and interprets practical implications for companies.
- Khronos — XR_REFERENCE_SPACE_TYPE_LOCAL_FLOOR: definition of the floor, relationship with LOCATION and STAGE, events and requirements.
- Khronos — XrReferenceSpaceType: comparison between VIEW, LOCAL, STAGE and LOCAL_FLOOR and support in core 1.1.
Date reported by main source: OpenXR 1.1.63 consulted on September 21, 2026; technical analysis.