Introduction to depth cues

Depth cues
We can judge depth in the real world that is in three dimensions. We can also understand depth in pictures when it is represented in two dimensions. The clues we use to understand depth are called depth cues. They are pieces of visual information that trigger or cue understanding of distance. Monocular depth cues Binocular depth cues

Monocular depth cues

Monocular depth cues are clues to distance that only need one eye. If you close one eye and look around, it is still obvious which things are closer and which are further away. You are using monocular cues to decide. There are five monocular depth cues you need to understand, including: Superimposition Relative size Texture gradient Linear perspective Height in the plane

Superimposition
The depth cue of superimposition is when the position of one object puts it in front of another. It tells us that the thing you can see (fully) must be nearer than the partly hidden object.

Relative size
A closer object makes a bigger image on the retina than a distant one. This is used as a cue to depth. It is called relative size. Objects making bigger images on the retina are perceived as being closer, than ones making smaller images.

Texture Gradient
Most objects and surfaces, such as walls, roads and fields of flowers have a texture. As an object or surface gets further away from us, the texture gets finer and appears smoother.

Linear perspective
Parallel lines in the real world never meet, they stay the same the distant apart. Imagine that you are looking at a very long straight road. What seems to happen is that the road appears to get narrower in the distance. The edges seem to get closer and closer together. This is a depth cue called linear perspective. Lines which are parallel appear to converge in the distance.

How do we see the world? 02 Monocular Depth Cues

Height in the plane

The area of floor at the bottom of your field of view is close to you. The area of floor at the top of your field of view is further away. In general, things lower in the scene are closer, those which are higher up are further away. It is interesting that, above the horizons, the order is reversed. If we saw two birds in the sky, the higher one would be closer and the lower one further away. So things nearest to the horizon are furthest away.

Monocular Depth Cues in Art

How do we see the world? 02 Monocular Depth Cues

How do we see the world? 02 Monocular Depth Cues