Infrared Thermography or Infrared Thermal Imaging are examples of infrared imaging technology advancements. Thermal imaging cameras detect radiation in the infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum and produce images of that radiation, called thermograms. The amount of radiation emitted by an object increases with temperature; therefore, thermography allows one to see variations in temperature.
Thermal imaging is the process of using infrared illumination to see detect heat that normally would not be seen by the human eye. Infrared imaging cameras are used to detect heat loss in insulated systems, to observe changing blood flow in the skin, and to detect overheating of electrical apparatus. Electrical inspectors and hydro line inspectors now use thermal imaging to find problems before they create equipment failure. Ontario Hydro regularly scans their main towers with thermal imaging cameras and helicopters.
The cost of infrared cameras has dropped significantly from the days when only the military was able to afford this expensive technology. Today most home inspectors and insulation companies own at least one thermal imaging camera. The size of thermal imaging cameras has decreased to such that many uses are being found for these cameras than for what they were originally designed for.
Police departments now regularly use thermal cameras for surveillance and for illegal drug grow operations. The thermal cameras are deployed using helicopters and can scan entire neighborhoods with one pass.
A Cryogenically cooled thermal imaging camera is more expensive than the typical thermal imaging camera but can provide greater detail and has greater sensitivity. These cameras are not well suited for use in rugged environments.
The thermal imaging camera has become an asset for most fire departments. The ability to find trapped or unconscious victims plus see hidden fires and hot spots has made modern fire departments more efficient on the fire ground.
Thermal imaging is the process of using infrared illumination to see detect heat that normally would not be seen by the human eye. Infrared imaging cameras are used to detect heat loss in insulated systems, to observe changing blood flow in the skin, and to detect overheating of electrical apparatus. Electrical inspectors and hydro line inspectors now use thermal imaging to find problems before they create equipment failure. Ontario Hydro regularly scans their main towers with thermal imaging cameras and helicopters.
The cost of infrared cameras has dropped significantly from the days when only the military was able to afford this expensive technology. Today most home inspectors and insulation companies own at least one thermal imaging camera. The size of thermal imaging cameras has decreased to such that many uses are being found for these cameras than for what they were originally designed for.
Police departments now regularly use thermal cameras for surveillance and for illegal drug grow operations. The thermal cameras are deployed using helicopters and can scan entire neighborhoods with one pass.
A Cryogenically cooled thermal imaging camera is more expensive than the typical thermal imaging camera but can provide greater detail and has greater sensitivity. These cameras are not well suited for use in rugged environments.
The thermal imaging camera has become an asset for most fire departments. The ability to find trapped or unconscious victims plus see hidden fires and hot spots has made modern fire departments more efficient on the fire ground.
