UNDERWATER ACQUISITION OF IMAGERY FOR 3D MAPPING ENVIRONMENTS

摘要

A panoramic imagery acquisition system and method is disclosed, which facilitates capture of panoramic images underwater. A panoramic camera system can be deployed underwater, and stabilized to reduce effects of movement of a seagoing vehicle. In addition to panoramic images, location data can be collected using, for example, a Global Positioning System (GPS) system. A GPS antenna can be located above water to improve location accuracy. An offset between the panoramic camera system and GPS system can be determined, and incorporated into the location data associated with captured images. Additional data can be acquired and associated with the panoramic images, including topographical data acquired using LIDAR.