What type of study is this?

This is a Quantitative Study study.

October 3, 2025Open Access

Effects of Levels of Realism on Perceived Distance in Computer-Simulated Urban Spaces

Key Points

Results showed that realism significantly improved distance estimation accuracy from r = 0.8 to r = 0.94.
Estimates were consistently lower with low realism, whereas high realism caused both under- and overestimation of distances.
Underestimation dominated at distances over 20 meters, linked to a lack of visual cues in low realism settings.
Findings emphasize the need for high simulation fidelity in urban design tools, improving decision-making quality.

Abstract

Today, as planners and urban designers increasingly rely on computational modeling to study complex urban systems, a methodological shift toward virtual experimentation is discernible because the real-world factors are difficult to control. This paper investigates the effect of the realism of computer simulations on distance perception in urban squares and streets. This study used Autodesk 3ds Max® for modeling and V-Ray for rendering to create systematic variations in distances, with 172 participants providing distance estimates for 216 images. Results indicated that realism had a significant effect on distance perception, increasing estimation accuracy from r = 0.8 to r = 0.94. Lower realism was always associated with an underestimation of the distance, whereas higher realism manifested both overestimation and underestimation. Underestimation is dominant at long distances (>20 m), attributable to a lack of cues, common in low realism; overestimation happens only for short distances (≤20 m) due to high realism. These findings underscore the importance of simulation fidelity for urban designers and planners, enhancing the validity of virtual tools in design, research, and decision-making.

AI से पूछें

Bookmark

View Full Paper