Just-Noticeable Differences in Atmospheric Haze

Abstract

This article examines the only available experimental data taken in the natural environment on the ability of an observer to perceive small, incremental changes in the colorfulness of objects seen through atmospheric haze and estimates an appropriate just-noticeable difference (JND) from these data. This experimentally determined threshold of perception is compared to changes in the deciview scale. Based on these experimental results, the deciview scale is found to not be uniform over a wide range of visibility conditions, as has been previously claimed. In addition, a 1-deciview change never produces a perceptible change in haze, as defined by a 95% probability of producing a measurable change in the colorfulness of an object seen through the haze.