Instruments of Perspective

Perspective has been developed, studied and applied through a wide range of instruments used to view, capture, copy, project, measure, model and represent spatial reality.

These instruments range from historical optical and geometrical devices to modern imaging, display and virtual-reality technologies.

Use the sections below to explore the principal groups.


2-D Displays
3-D Displays


Ames Room
Camera Obscura
Kaleidoscope
Stereoscope
Projection Mapping


Camera
Lens
Telescope
Mirror


Camera Lucida
Pantograph
Perspective Box
Perspective Window


Andotrope
Kinetoscope
Magic Lantern
Projector (Digital)
Projector (Film)
Zoetrope


Geo-Maps
Star Map / Chart
Terrestrial Globe


Flight Slide Rule
Nautical Slide Rule
Slide Rule


Caliper, Ruler, Set-Square
Clocks, Sundial
Compass (Reduction)
Compass (Sector or Proportional)
Compass (Trigonometry)
Dial, Gauge
Gnomon, Plumb-Line
Protractor, Quadrant
Sextant / Octant


Astrolabe
Armillary Sphere
Celestial Globe
Planetarium
Planisphere
Orary


Theodolite


Binoculars
Spectacles
Virtual Reality — Headsets / Environments