Laser-Aided Quantitative Sampling of the Sea Bed

Underwater photographic surveys are often used methods for obtaining data applicable to long-term environmental studies. Difficulties arise, however, from interpretation of photographic data taken at differing camera range and attitude with respect to the subject. A recently developed experimental system which uses structured illumination from helium-neon lasers, has proven useful in the reduction of these camera positioning problems. The system design will be discussed, and its response to positional changes under ideal conditions will be estimated. Operational advantages of the system will be described and plans for future implementation of structured illumination systems will be presented.