A node placement apparatus, system and method employ an optical source to define a grid for placement of nodes. The node placement apparatus includes a structure that provides a predetermined height and the optical source positioned at the predetermined height. The optical source is configured to produce an optical beam having a predetermined declination angle. The optical beam is configured to provide illumination of a plurality of discrete points on a surface to define the grid. The system further includes the nodes. The method of node placement includes locating the optical source above a fixed point on and at the predetermined height above the surface, illuminating the plurality of discrete points with the optical beam, and positioning a node at a selected discrete point of the plurality of discrete points illuminated by the optical beam.