Distance estimation in virtual and real environments using bisection

Systematic error in judging distances in virtual environments is one of the most interesting problems in perceptual studies of virtual environments. The causes of this error are not known. This paper presents an experiment designed to investigate distance perception in virtual environments using the method of distance bisection (fractionation). Most other studies of distance perception in virtual environment rely on measures involving motor responses or time judgments. Unlike these, the method used in this study depends purely on visually perceived distances. Our experiment compares distance bisection judgments in virtual environments, bisection judgments in the real-world, and bisection judgments in the real-world with limited field of view. We also perform the judgments in two environmental contexts, an outdoor environment and an indoor environment. We find evidence that nonlinear distance compression occurs in virtual environments, but judgments in real-world conditions are accurate. We do not find an effect of environmental context.