Foreshortening affects both uphill and downhill slope perception at far distances

Behav Brain Sci. 2013 Oct;36(5):563-4; discussion 571-87. doi: 10.1017/S0140525X13000538.

Abstract

Perceived slope varies with the viewing distance, and is consistent with the effects of foreshortening. Distant viewing makes uphill slopes appear steeper and downhill slopes flatter than does near viewing. These effects are obvious to skiers and climbers in mountainous country. They have also been measured in outdoor experiments with controlled viewing distances. There are many other sources of slope illusions.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cognition / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Models, Neurological*
  • Space Perception / physiology*
  • Spatial Behavior*