A Systems Approach to Underwater Camera Data Correlation and Interpretation

By recording pertinent information relating to deep ocean photographs digitally on the film, it is possible to reduce significantly the labor involved in correlating ancillary operational and oceanographic data with the photographs. This paper discusses the details of such a system with specific reference to the one employed by the DSRV ALVIN. In the ALVIN system, time, depth, height off the bottom, compass bearing, and dive number are recorded on each picture. The data recording is accomplished by a 16-digit LED display photographed simultaneously with each picture. Circuit details of the system, as well as photographic examples are presented.