Perceptual adaptation to distortions of size and distance due to conflict between aerial perspective and other distance cues

Aerial perspective is a generally recognized cue to distance. The cue of aerial perspective is normally operative only at large distances, and is often characterized by apparent changes in the color of distant objects toward the blues and violets. This color aspect of aerial perspective has been used by artists since it was first described by Leonardo da Vinci. Public knowledge of aerial perspective has not progressed much beyond the artist's conception of it. Gibson (1950), Forgus (1966), and others have listed aerial perspective as a secondary cue to distance perception, pointed out its transitory nature, and described its effect on the apparent color of distant objects. While Gibson (1950) points out the need for experimental investigation on the effects of aerial perspective, there is only one study directly concerned with aerial perspective in the Psychological literature. Pry & Bridgman (1942) investigated the effects of aerial perspective on range finding. Their findings will be presented below.