Thermal Imaging Data for Fighting

      What is Thermal Imaging?

Thermal imaging, also called thermography or thermal video, is the means by which humans may see in the infrared portion of the spectrum. Since every object gives off some amount of thermal radiation, thermal imaging is ideal for observing a scene in conditions of extreme darkness or when obscured by smoke, fog, rain, or snow. Some types of night vision use thermal imaging, and thermal imaging is considered the best form of night vision, as it can reveal objects in the blackest of nights. Thermal imaging is used widely in security, the military, navigation, surveillance, firefighting, industry, medicine, and science.

The main tool for thermal imaging is the thermographic camera, which is similar in appearance and operation to a conventional camcorder. Thermal cameras pick up electromagnetic waves with a wavelengthbetween roughly 0.9 and 14 micrometers. In contrast, electromagnetic waves in the visible portion of the spectrum have a wavelength between about 380 to 750 nanometers, significantly shorter than infrared. Though humans are not biologically capable of seeing infrared light unaided, some animals can, notably rattlesnakes and other pit vipers, which have a well-developed pair of organs for the task. Using these organs, rattlesnakes can accurately strike at an object, with their sight and smell cut off, just 0.2 degrees C higher in temperature than its background.

The first commercial thermal imaging camera was sold in 1965 for high voltage power line inspections, by what would later become FLIR Systems.
Since then thermal imaging technology has evolved. Thermal imaging cameras have become compact systems that look just like a digital video camera or digital photo camera. They are easy
to use and generate crisp real-time high-resolution images. One of the sectors that rapidly discovered that thermal imaging can provide valuable information
that is practically impossible

to capture with any other tool is the building industry. From an exotic technology, thermal imaging cameras have evolved to a widespread tool that is used by numerous building inspectors worldwide.

A thermal imaging camera is a unique tool to map the energy loss from a building. This method is quick and the thermal images which the camera produces provide a precise and convincing argumentation.
The use of a thermal imaging camera – either as a standalone tool or in combination with other methods such as ‘BlowerDoor’ systems – speeds up the work considerably. Thermal imaging pinpoints exactly where the energy losses are without the use of any destructive testing methods.

Thermal imaging for the building industry
Since the 1970s we have become increasingly conscious that
energy resources are precious and limited.
The building sector accounts for 40% of the EU’s energy
requirements and offers the largest single potential for energy
efficiency. Due to the huge potential the European Commission
has formed a directive for energy performance regulation of
buildings on which many national laws are already based.
Thousands of European businesses are already affected while
the Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) have become
mandatory in many countries in the EU for new buildings and
building refurbishments.
This, together with recent economic stimulus packages in many
countries, is likely to drive up the demand for air tightness
testing and other methods for energy efficiency investigation.
In a longer perspective we are likely to see harsher EU directives
for energy savings in buildings. This will have great impact on
many professionals working in the building sector.