Instruments of Perspective extend the ways in which spatial reality can be viewed, captured, copied, projected, measured, calculated, modelled and represented. They range from simple drawing and measuring devices to cameras, telescopes, projectors, globes, stereoscopes and digital display systems.
These instruments are important because perspective is not produced by graphical construction alone. Optical, mechanical, mathematical and technological systems can establish viewpoints, measure spatial relationships, form images, extend vision and transform information about three-dimensional space into visible or measurable forms.
Displays and Visual Environments
Displays present perspective images and spatial information in two-dimensional, three-dimensional, projected and spatially organised forms.
2-D Displays · 3-D Displays · Projection Mapping
Viewing and Optical Instruments
Viewing instruments extend or modify natural vision by enlarging, redirecting, separating or otherwise transforming the optical view available to an observer.
Binoculars · Spectacles · Telescope · Stereoscope
Image Capturing and Image-Forming Instruments
Image-forming systems establish relationships between an object or scene, an optical or mechanical system, and the resulting image.
Camera · Lens · Mirror · Camera Obscura
Image Copying and Drawing Instruments
Perspective instruments have long been used to assist the observation, transfer and construction of spatial relationships on a drawing or image surface.
Camera Lucida · Pantograph · Perspective Box
Image Projection and Moving-Image Instruments
Projection and moving-image devices transform, sequence or display images through optical, mechanical or electronic systems.
Andotrope · Kinetoscope · Magic Lantern · Projector (Digital) · Projector (Film) · Zoetrope
Optical and Spatial Experiences
Some perspective devices are especially concerned with altered appearance, optical transformation or unusual spatial experience.
Maps and Spatial Representation
Mapping instruments and models represent large-scale spatial relationships, terrestrial locations and celestial directions in forms that can be examined and measured.
Geo-Maps · Star Map / Chart · Terrestrial Globe
Calculating Instruments
Mathematical instruments allow numerical and proportional relationships to be calculated and applied to navigation, measurement and spatial problems.
Flight Slide Rule · Nautical Slide Rule · Slide Rule
Measuring Instruments
Measuring instruments establish lengths, angles, directions, proportions and other spatial relationships that can subsequently be represented or used in perspective systems.
Caliper, Ruler, Set-Square · Clocks, Sundial · Compass (Reduction) · Compass (Sector or Proportional) · Compass (Trigonometry) · Dial, Gauge · Gnomon, Plumb-Line · Protractor, Quadrant · Sextant / Octant · Theodolite
Models and Modelling Instruments
Models and modelling instruments provide structured representations of spatial, terrestrial and celestial relationships. Many combine geometry, projection, measurement and observation.
Astrolabe · Armillary Sphere · Celestial Globe · Planetarium · Planisphere · Orary
Why Instruments Matter to Perspective
Perspective instruments show that relationships between observer, object and image can be established in many different ways. An instrument may extend sight, establish a viewpoint, measure a direction, capture an image, construct a representation, project an image or model spatial relationships.
The history of perspective is therefore closely connected with the history of instruments. From the astrolabe and perspective box to the camera, telescope and digital display, new instruments have repeatedly extended the scope of what can be seen, measured and represented.
See also Instrument Perspective for the broader perspective category concerned with instrumental systems.
Explore Applications
Parent: Applications of Perspective → Instruments of Perspective
Explore instrument groups:
Displays ·
Viewing Instruments ·
Image Capturing ·
Image Copying ·
Image Projection ·
Mapping ·
Calculating ·
Measuring ·
Modelling
Other Applications routes:
Spatial Themes ·
Applications by Discipline ·
Perspective Studies Today
Related perspective topic:
Instrument Perspective