The technology described herein is directed towards determining a phase shift matrix for an intelligent reflective surface based on active tag-enhanced sensing that provides calibrated orientation data and distance data of the intelligent reflective surface relative to a transmission-reception point, such as a radar system, base station or wireless access point. The calibration data is based on accurate estimation of element distances to the intelligent reflective surface elements. Based on the calibration data, a phase shift matrix for the elements of the intelligent reflective surface is determined. The phase shift matrix can be used in optimizing the intelligent reflective surface for redirected communications with a target. Other calibration data can be obtained at the target for element distances of the intelligent reflective surface relative to the target. An approximate position of a target can be determined by using the intelligent reflective surface with a radar system at the transmission-reception point.