An imaging system for use in a spatially constrained location includes an image sensor for capturing an image, wherein the image sensor has (a) a first rectangular area containing a pixel array and connecting circuitry communicatively coupled with the pixel array and (b) a second rectangular area with only one shared side with the first rectangular area and containing support electronics for pixel array control and signal acquisition, where the support electronics is communicatively coupled with the connecting circuitry. An imaging method for use in a spatially constrained location includes (a) forming an image of a scene on a pixel array of an image sensor contained within a first rectangular area having a first side and (b) communicating electrical signals between the pixel array and support electronics located onboard the image sensor and contained within a second rectangular area sharing only one side with the first rectangular area.
