Developments in laser-line scanned undersea surface mapping and image analysis systems for scientific applications

This paper describes recent developments using a laser scanner to construct accurate range maps of marine snow aggregates at high resolution (200×200×200) and at range distances of less than 10 cm. The proposed method is also suitable (with modifications) for long range operation at up to 6 attenuation lengths. The system utilizes a triangulation sensing approach that is suited to low cost implementation through the use of a novel, patented method for obtaining position information. The approach is also compatible, with range gating methods for reduction of scattered light interference, at multiple attenuation lengths. ; Personal use of this material is permitted. Permission from IEEE must be obtained for all other uses, in any current or future media, including reprinting/republishing this material for advertising or promotional purposes, creating new collective works, for resale or redistribution to servers or lists, or reuse of any copyrighted component of this work in other works. ; This manuscript is available at http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/ and may be cited as: Caimi, F. M., Kocak, D. M., & Asper, V. L. (1996). Developments in laser-line scanned undersea surface mapping and image analysis systems for scientific applications. Oceans 96 MTS/IEEE: Coastal ocean, prospects for the 21st century: conference proceedings, 23-26 September, 1996, Broward County Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (pp. 75-81). Fort Lauderdale, Fla.: Oceans '96 MTS/IEEE Conference Committee. doi:10.1109/OCEANS.1996.566722 ; Florida Atlantic University. Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute contribution #1164.