Abstract: An optical system, to be used with an illuminating source, maps objects lted in an underwater environment. A first optical means is adapted to receive light from the illuminating source for transmitting the illumination to the object area to be mapped. A second optical means comprises an input means, adapted to receive reflected light from the illuminated object area, or plane; and an output means for conformally transforming images of all objects in the object plane to an image plane, located externally to the second optical means. A conformal transformation at a point is one which preserves angles between every pair of curves through the point. The optical system further comprises means located between the second optical means and the image plane for filtering or masking light propagating between the two, to thereby reduce backscatter.

Abstract: An improved viewing port for underwater oceanographic vehicle provides for establishing a standard length optical test path in the underwater environment with no modifications or additional passages through the hull of the vehicle.