Why do distant object look larger when viewed from an elevated position?

Question

Can anyone explain the principle that results in a distant object being perceived as larger when viewed from an elevated position? eg: I notice when viewing a Shipping Vessel from the shoreline it appears significantly smaller than when viewed from an elevated position of approx 30 meters & 1/2 mile inland from the shoreline; I have also noted the phenomenon for an island 12 miles from shore - 20 miles inland and significantly elevated from sea level the island appears much larger than when viewed from the shoreline.

Exocytosis · Answer

My first guess had nothing to do with physics but psychology. I think you could have a slight vertigo raising your arousal when you are elevated and this would make things look bigger. Like a living lion looks bigger than a cow when you walk past it. Also the vertigo would be amplified by the lack of clear localisation of objects floating in large body of water. This uncertainty adds to the anxiety and has a magnifying effect, purely mental.

Answered by Exocytosis on October 21, 2020

Why do distant object look larger when viewed from an elevated position?

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