A Beginner’s Guide To Thermal Imaging Cameras

Thermal imaging technology can be used for a range of different purposes. Thermal imaging cameras can have a range of uses and formats for detecting different temperatures. 

These cameras work by combining heat sensors and a specially adapted lens. This allows the user to efficiently identify regions of excessive temperature. 

How do they work?

Cameras must be fitted with a lens that allows IR (Infra-red) frequencies to pass through. Inside of the device there is a special sensor that can turn, detect, and read these rays. 

All thermal imaging cameras will come with this equipment as standard. 

Any object with a temperature above absolute zero will emit a detectable amount of infra-red radiation. The higher an object/ person’s temperature the higher the intensity of radiation. When looking at footage of an IR/ thermal imaging camera we are simply visibly seeing these rays. As stated before, the higher the temperature the higher the number of rays. 

These cameras can therefore, ‘’see’’ from extended distances under virtually any light, weather condition, and visibility. Being able to distinguish vehicles, objects, and people with ease. 

How can they be used in everyday life?

Used on drones

 This feature greatly enhances the capabilities of what the controller of these drones can view and is most optimised by emergency response units and search and rescue teams. 

Fire detection

This imaging can be used to both locate survivors through smoke and fog. Can also detect the hotspots or presence of still-burning fires. 

The police when searching for someone

Whether the police are looking for a runaway criminal or looking for a missing person, these cameras will most commonly be used from a helicopter in the air. Someone hiding or running through an area at night where the naked eye would not be able to see, these cameras can accurately detect and help the police to follow a suspect. 

Wildlife photography and animal tracking.

Environmental monitoring, wildlife tracking and photography can all find thermal imaging useful. For animals that are nocturnal, hard to track or small, these cameras can be set up and unmanned to monitor this usually hard-to-spot wildlife. 

Marine cameras

For boats, thermal imaging can be used to see other boats and big sea life below the surface. Thermal imaging to see other boats is particularly helpful when there is fog or bad visibility. 

CCTV

For vulnerable areas where a normal CCTV camera may not be able to see movement very well i.e. there are hedges and foliage around the perimeter of the property. With a CCTV or IP CCTV camera, someone dressed in black or camouflage could go unnoticed in these areas. With thermal imaging, no person or animal is going unseen. 

Temperature screening

Through the pandemic, there has been a shift in the health and safety precautions of many places we used to visit on a regular basis. Temperature screening is now a very popular and useful way to screen guests, visitors, and staff to help ensure that they are fully healthy. 

What thermal imaging cameras do we have available?

• Thermal CCTV cameras used for security

   

Thermal cameras use an object’s heat to capture images. This means they can capture clear footage 24/7 regardless of any factors including light or weather such as fog. 

• Thermal CCTV cameras used for fire detection

These cameras are constantly measuring and monitoring IR rays. Using these cameras, you can help catch and prevent fires from happening before they occur. Being able to visually see and be alerted when an area or object is getting particularly hot, you can address a situation before a fire occurs. 

• Free standing temperature screening devices

You may have seen a range of these devices when visiting an office, shop, or restaurant in the last 18 months. These devices have become extremely popular among high traffic spaces. 

Using a temperature screening device, you can:

• Prevent people from entering the premises should they have an elevated temperature
• Potentially catch early signs of COVID-19 
• Measure skin temperature within 0.5-degree accuracy 
• Measure skin temperature within seconds 
• Measure skin temperature from up to 3 meters away 
• Add customisable prompts such as ‘please wear a mask’ 

Get in touch to find out thermal screening solutions that can help your business today!