The field of view (FOV) is the angular extent of the observable world that is seen at any given moment. In the case of optical instruments or sensors, it is a solid angle through which a detector is sensitive to electromagnetic radiation. It is further relevant in photography.
A 360-degree panorama of the Milky Way at the Very Large Telescope. In the image, the Milky Way appears like an arc of stars spanning horizon to horizon with two streams of stars seemingly cascading down like waterfalls.
In computed tomography (abdominal CT pictured), the field of view (FOV) multiplied by scan range creates a volume of voxels.
Field of view diameter in microscopy
Angle of view (photography)
In photography, angle of view (AOV) describes the angular extent of a given scene that is imaged by a camera. It is used interchangeably with the more general term field of view.
How focal length affects perspective: Varying focal lengths at identical field size achieved by different camera-subject distances. Notice that the shorter the focal length and the larger the angle of view, perspective distortion and size differences increase.
28 mm lens, 65.5° × 46.4°
50 mm lens, 39.6° × 27.0°
70 mm lens, 28.9° × 19.5°