Provided is a multispectral and omnidirectional imaging sensor and system that produces improved surround awareness, as well as methods of use therefor. The multispectral omnidirectional optical sensor device comprises a series of view and reflecting mirrors for splitting the electromagnetic spectrum into two or more electromagnetic wavelength bands; in combination with a plurality of cameras that are spaced relative to the reflecting mirrors. Each camera senses one of the wavelength bands or the resulting signal passing through the mirrors and creates an image thereof (focussed on the same view), so that each image is automatically registered.