Visual control of driving and flying: Importance of optic flow rules, perceptual representation of 3-D space, and internal models of vehicle dynamics

Basic research on the visual control of locomotion has focused on optic flow rules that connect specific features of the optic flow field (e.g., global radial outflow, tau, and splay rate) with specific actions (aiming, braking, and alignment with a path, respectively). There is growing recognition that, while optic flow rules are important, visual control of vehicles involves much more, including perceptual representation of 3-D space and internal models of vehicle dynamics. Here I briefly describe experiments on a variety of visually-controlled maneuvers performed with ground vehicles and aircraft, both real and simulated, showing the importance of optic flow, 3-D space perception, and internal models of vehicle dynamics.