Automated processing for Streak Tube Imaging Lidar data

The Streak Tube Imaging Lidar([1]) (STIL) is a three-dimensional electro-optic sensor that provides photographic quality images and was developed to identify objects of interest on the ocean bottom. STIL sends out a pulsed fan of light through the water column with the photon time of flight returns measured, giving range information that allows water backscatter to be separated from the bottom return. Although three-dimensional, the current choice of operation to display STIL data is to render it into two-dimensional contrast and range maps (images). This paper describes a fully automated process (single executable) that renders the three-dimensional STIL data cube into contrast and range maps, removes inherent system noise, and enhances low contrast regions for optimal display to the operator.