Harvard wrote:
I am looking for some constructive criticism of what I might be missing in this attempt to marry together three different skill sets. The skill sets are Windows 7 Paint, a Digital Camera and a 24 Inch Carpenters Level.
Here is the set up. I have an RV lot that has a clear view of a 1/2 mile distant mall in Laughlin NV. I meticulously set up the carpenters level to be visually "bubble" level. Then I set my camera on the level and took this picture.
It sure looks like I have a good confirmation that this setup reflects the remote mall and my camera, for all practical purposes, to be remarkably level when compared to each other IN PAINT. What do you think?
Wrong.
It may appear or look "level" but the earth is not level, plumb or square and neither is what your lens optics does..
You are trying to take something which is curved (Earth) and flatten it out using a optical lens which adds additional distortion to the already curved Earth and trying to use a "linear" output device (monitor) to display it is flat, level and plumb..
You are missing a major component.. Your eyes and brain.. They actually can compensate enough to make that picture appear rather level and flat.. But in reality the pix is distorted..
