A method for the in vivo re-calibration of a force sensing probe (22) such as an electrophysiology catheter provides for the generation of an auto zero zone. The distal tip (32) of the catheter or other probe is placed in a body cavity (26) within the patient. Verification that there is no tissue contact is made using electrocardiogram (ECG) or impedance data, fluoroscopy or other real-time imaging data and/or an electro-anatomical mapping system. Once verification that there is no tissue contact is made, the system recalibrates the signal emanating from the force sensor setting it to correspond to a force reading of zero grams and this recalibrated baseline reading is used to generate and display force readings based on force sensor data. Location data based on information provided by a location sensor for these auto zero zone locations is stored in system memory. During a procedure the probe may be placed in this auto zero zone for re-calibration or may be automatically recalibrated if it is found to be in an auto zero zone at any time.
