Which type of illusion results from a lack of reference points, leading to misjudgments of altitude?

The Height-Depth Illusion is the result of a lack of visual reference points, which can cause individuals to misjudge their altitude. This phenomenon often occurs in conditions where the visual field is uniform or featureless, such as in dark environments or over water. Without clear landmarks or varying elements in the terrain, individuals can struggle to accurately perceive how high they are above the ground, leading to errors in altitude judgment. This is particularly significant in aviation and night operations, where accurate altitude perception is crucial for safety and navigation.

In essence, the absence of reference points can distort one's understanding of spatial relationships, which is precisely what characterizes the Height-Depth Illusion. This is why understanding this type of illusion is important for operating in low-visibility scenarios, especially when using night vision goggles.