Plain English Meaning

Clues your brain uses to judge how far away something is by comparing what each of your two eyes sees. They only work well up close.

Full Definition

Depth perception cues that depend on the use of both eyes working together. Each eye views an object from a slightly different angle, and the brain combines the two images to judge distance. Binocular cues are most effective for objects within close range and become unreliable for distant objects, such as those seen in flight.

Context Anchor

Seen in discussions of distance estimation, depth perception, landing judgment, and visual approach cues.

Derivation

From Latin 'bini' meaning 'two at a time' and 'oculus' meaning 'eye.' So 'binocular' literally means 'using two eyes' — which is exactly what these depth cues require.

Why Pilots Care

Accurate distance judgment to the or other depends partly on these cues; loss of them at or in poor increases the of misjudged or .