Systems and Embodiments for a structured light navigation aid are provided. In certain embodiments, a system includes a structured light emitter that emits structured light towards a surface, wherein the structured light emitter can movably change a direction of emitted structured light. Additionally, the system includes a structured light receiver that receives light from an environment, wherein the structured light receiver identifies reflected structured light from the surface in the received light and calculates navigation information from the reflected structured light. Further, the system includes one or more processors that control the structured light as one of a pre-programmed pattern or a pattern determined during operation of the structured light emitter.