What is the hex based coverage model?

4DSKY uses the H3 geospatial indexing system, an open-source framework developed by Uber.

H3 divides the world into a grid of hexagons at different resolutions. Each hexagon represents a defined geographic area.

4DSKY currently uses H3 hexes at resolution level 7.

This provides a balance between:

• Geographic detail

• Coverage planning

• Location privacy for sensor operators

Hexes currently organise sensor coverage and protect location privacy. They do not currently affect the number of points a sensor earns.

Why the Network Uses Hexes

The hex system serves several purposes within the network:

Location Privacy

In future updates, exact device coordinates are not exposed publicly to non-paying buyers.

Instead, sensors are associated with the hex region they operate within. This helps protect the precise location of sensor deployments.

Coverage Planning

Hexes allow the network to visualise where sensors are deployed and where additional coverage is needed.

This helps identify:

• Underserved regions

• Areas where additional sensors would improve the network

• Locations that may become important for future aviation infrastructure

Preventing Sensor Stacking

Without geographic balancing, users could install many sensors in the same location to maximise rewards.

The hex model helps prevent this by encouraging distributed deployments rather than clustering.

For example:

• Deploying multiple sensors in the same hex does not significantly improve coverage.

• Deploying sensors across multiple hexes improves the network’s geographic reach.

This ensures rewards are aligned with meaningful coverage contributions.

Hex-Based Incentives (Future)

In the future, hex regions may play a role in how contributions are evaluated.

Examples of potential incentives include:

• Bonuses for sensors deployed near airports

• Rewards for covering drone corridors

• Incentives for filling coverage gaps

These mechanisms would allow the network to encourage deployments in locations where additional coverage is most valuable.

These features are not currently active and will only be introduced after community consultation.

Hex Priority and Sensor Density

As the network grows, hexes will also help determine how rewards are shared when multiple sensors operate within the same region.

This can help prevent reward exploitation and ensure that points reflect real network contribution rather than simply the number of devices deployed.

Any future changes involving hex-based reward models will be announced in advance of impact on point awards.