Monocular Depth Estimation

Monocular depth estimation is a computer vision technique that enables a system to judge how far away objects are using only a single image. Unlike human eyes that use binocular vision (two eyes) for depth perception, this method relies on analyzing visual cues such as shading, perspective, and object size within one image. It involves algorithms that interpret these cues to produce a depth map—a representation showing the distance of every point in the image from the viewer. This technology is essential for applications like autonomous vehicles, robotics, and augmented reality, helping machines understand and navigate the 3D environment from just one image.