The Mathematics of Perspective: An Introduction to the Cross Ratio
David A. Thomas
Department of
Mathematics
University
of Idaho
Introduction
Even
though the world is a finite physical space, there appear to be an infinite
number of perspectives on the world’s people, places, structures, and
processes. Artists, architects, and
designers specialize in creating and communicating perspectives that reflect
their individual interests and values.
In many cases, creating these perspectives involves representing
3-dimensional objects on 2-dimensional surfaces such as canvas, illustration
board, computer monitors, or movie screens.
Since the Renaissance, artists, architects, scientists, and
mathematicians have been developing concepts and procedures to guide this
process. This paper focuses on a
mathematical concept underlying many of these efforts, the cross ratio.
Table of Contents