1. An image analysis and, optical and detection system for analyzing a field of view to produce optical characteristic data, comprising: scanning means for line scanning such field of view to produce a video signal having analog values representative of optical characteristic data; conversion means for converting the video signal analog values corresponding to discrete points along the scan line to discrete digital data having values which are a function of video signal analog values corresponding to such points; and memory means for storing image analysis optical characteristic data corresponding to digital data including means for automatically compensating for the response characteristics of the optical and detection system and for generating in response to the discrete digital data an output as a function of the stored optical characteristic data corresponding to the received discrete digital data to produce optical characteristic data.