What does spatial perception mean?

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The ability to perceive our spatial surroundings is critical to

tasks ranging from grasping nearby objects to complex navigation

through an unfamiliar environment. Our group examines visual

perception and spatial cognition with a multidisciplinary approach

involving psychology and computer science in the service of both

basic and applied research goals.

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We aim to understand the information and processes used in spatial

behavior, with an emphasis on the computational analysis of visual

cues for distance, the influence of representations of the self in

perception of space, and the role of body-movement on spatial

navigation. Many of these same issues are important to our applied

work as well. This includes investigations of how to increase the

effectiveness of computer graphics in conveying information about

the three-dimensional world, investigating perception under

low-vision conditions to aid in the creation of visually accessible

environments for the visually impaired, and applying models of

arousal and perception to clinical populations.

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A significant portion of our work involves immersive virtual

environments, both to understand perceptual performance in these

devices and to use them as a tool to approach basic research

questions in perception and action.