the invention is directed to a remote 3 - d imaging system which uses a novel illumination source to establish the relationship of the image features to the system , which is displayed by virtue of calculations . in addition to static surfaces , moving surfaces may be studied and corrections due to turbidity and platform position are also easily compensated for . the instant system may also contain a plurality of sensing systems based on light , including traditional reflective or elastic scattering and novel fluorescent or non - elastic scattering still and video imaging systems , including time - gated systems .