A three dimensional (3D) cursor maneuvering system for use by a computer or electro-mechanical system requiring 3D control, includes a tinted 2D planar or locally planar reference surface and a color sensitive mobile device that moves along the tinted reference surface and generates high sensitivity and high resolution absolute positional and motional data by accurately determining variations in the tint. Color index data (e.g. CIE 1931 RGB, etc.) on the tinted reference plane varies from place to place and methods are disclosed for imprinting the reference plane with that data in the form of dyes and pigments that may be reflective, refractive or emissive. When the mobile device moves on or over the reference surface, it captures a series of images whose data (e.g. CIE 1931 RGB) varies in correspondence with the movement of the device. The color index data measured by the mobile device can be mathematically converted into 3D positional and motional data. Hence, the color index data provides an ideal method f
