What does texture gradient indicate in depth perception?

Texture gradient plays a vital role in depth perception by providing visual cues about the relative distance of objects in a scene. When observing a textured surface, such as a field of grass or a road, you may notice that the textures appear more defined and distinct when they are closer to you. As the distance increases, these textures gradually become finer and more densely packed, leading to a smoother appearance. This transition from clear, distinct textures to finer, less perceptible ones serves as a critical cue that helps the brain interpret depth and distance.

The perception of this texture gradient allows individuals to judge how far away an object is: closer objects have more detailed and larger textures, while those farther away display less detail and finer textures. This principle is especially important in three-dimensional visual perception, as it enables the viewer to navigate and understand their environment by gauging distances accurately.