About thermal imaging

what is thermography?

Thermography is the use of an infrared imaging and measurement camera to detect and measure thermal energy emitted from an object. All materials which are above 0 degrees Kelvin (-273 degrees C) emit infrared energy. 

The thermal, or infrared energy emitted from the measured object is converted into an electrical signal by the imaging sensor (micobolometer) in the camera and displayed on a monitor as a colour or monochrome thermal image.

Thermal imaging is NOT the same as night vision, in which the technology amplifies or intensifies the available light to achieve better vision.

Applications of thermal imaging

Although the origins of thermal imaging date back to 1880, the modern version of the technology was developed during the Gulf War and is now finding wide applications in a variety of fields. 

The police and military extensively use it for surveillance at night to detect humans.  Other industries that use thermal imaging include the electrical, weather and satellite, veterinary and, more recently, the pest industry.

Thermal imaging in the pest industry

Thermal imaging is useful in the pest industry because it can detect both warm and cold-blooded creatures including bats, possums, rodents, insects and, importantly, termites.  Because termites prefer a warm, humid environment, a termite nest or workings can be readily detected by a thermal camera.  Inactive termite workings can also be detected. Depending on the temperature of the surrounding areas, these may be represented as a warmer or cooler image on the camera.

Other uses in the pest industry include detection of rodent and other vertebrate pest problems, water leaks and mould problems.