Analyzing Depth and Distance
Ask students to bring a picture to class that shows depth. Have students analyze the picture they
brought with them for the following monocular depth cues.
Monocular Cue
Relative size
Texture gradient
Interposition
Linear perspective
Relative height
Relative brightness
Aerial perspective
Explanation of Cue
If two figures are perceived as
equal in size, the one that casts
the smaller image on the retina
is perceived as farther away.
There are changes in both size
and density of objects in a
pattern field as distance
increases.
If one figure appears to overlap
or obscure another figure, it is
perceived as being in front of
that object.
Parallel lines appear to converge
as they move farther into the
distance.
Objects higher in our field of
vision are seen as being farther
away than objects lower in our
field of vision.
Brighter objects appear closer
than dimmer objects.
Atmospheric conditions (haze,
moisture in the air, dust, etc.)
can affect perception of
distance. Clearer objects seem
closer.
Source: Carol J. Dean, TOPSS “What Works” APA Convention, 1997
Presented by Kristin Whitlock, Viewmont High School, Bountiful Utah
APSI University of South Florida St. Petersburg, July 2012
Describe how this cue is used in
your picture.