Great majority of electro-optical imaging systems are used as independent imagers. However, there are also multi imaging/targeting (multi-sensor) systems that represent a fast growing group of electro-optical systems, particularly in airborne, space and naval applications. At the same time it is one of the most expensive groups of electro-optical systems.
Multi imaging/targeting systems are systems that combine at least two imaging systems or at least one imaging system (thermal imager, VIS-NIR camera, SWIR imager, night vision device) and one targeting laser system (laser range finder, laser designator, laser pointer, laser illuminator).
The term multi imaging/targeting systems describe a wide group of EO systems that vary a lot and can be divided into at least five smaller subgroups:
A) Portable imaging system with a single laser system (example: Thermal imager having built in small LRF),
B) Portable multi imaging/targeting system (example: multi-sensor binocular that includes thermal imager, VIS-NIR camera, LRF),
C) Two imaging systems and a laser targeting system based on a common stabilizing/angular platform (example: gimbal type system having thermal imager, VIS-NIR camera, and LRF – most popular solution),
D) Several imaging systems combined with several laser targeting systems based on a common stabilizing/angular platform (example: sophisticated gimbal type systems having built in such subsystems: thermal imager, color day level VIS-NIR camera, low light level VIS-NIR camera, SWIR imager, laser range finder, laser pointer, laser illuminator).
It should be noted that sometimes two thermal imagers or two VIS-NIR cameras of different field of view are used in some modern multi-sensor surveillance systems.
                                                     


Multi-sensor imagers represent a new popular trend in imaging systems as they combine advantages of several imaging/laser systems. It can be expected that in future multi imaging/targeting system can dominate market.