This dissertation examined the effects of display spatial luminance nonuniformities on operator performance and perception. The objectives of this research were to develop definitions of nonuniformity, develop accurate measurement techniques, determine acceptable levels of nonuniformities, and to develop a predictive model based on user performance data. Nonuniformities were described in terms of spatial frequency, amplitude, display luminance, gradient shape, and number of dimensions. Performance measures included a visual random search task and a subjective measure to determine users' perceptions of the nonuniformities. Results showed that users were able to perform the search task in the presence of appreciable nonuniformities. lt was concluded that current published recommendations for acceptable levels of nonuniformities are adequately specified. Results from the subjective task showed that users were sensitive to the presence of nonuniformities in terms of their perceptions of uniformity. Specifically, results showed that as spatial frequency increased, perceived uniformity ratings increased. That is, users rated nonuniformities to be less noticeable. As amplitude and display luminance increased, the users' ratings of perceived uniformity decreased; that is, they rated the display as being farther from a uniform field. There were no differences in impressions between a sine and triangle gradient shape, while a square gradient shape resulted in lower ratings of perceived uniformity. Few differences were attributed to the dimension (1-D versus 2- D) of the nonuniformity and results were inconclusive because dimension was confounded with the display luminance. Nonuniformities were analyzed using Fourier techniques to determine the amplitudes of the coefficients for each nonuniformity pattern. These physical descriptors were used to develop models to predict users' perceptions of the nonuniformities. A few models yielded good fits of the subjective data. lt was concluded that the method for describing and measuring nonuniformities was successful. Also, the results of this research were in strong concurrence with previous research in the area of spatial vision. / Ph. D.