Thermal Imaging

Thermal imaging is the use of a thermal imaging camera to “see” thermal energy emitted from an object.

Thermal, or infrared energy, is light that is not visible to the human eye because its wavelength is too long to

be detected. It’s the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that we perceive as heat. Infrared allows us to see

what our eyes can not.

Thermal imaging cameras produce images of invisible infrared or “heat” radiation. Based on temperature

differences between objects, thermal imaging produces a clear image. In contrast with other technologies,

such as image intensification, thermal imaging needs no light whatsoever to produce an image on which the

smallest of details can be seen. Thermal imaging provides full visibility irrespective of the prevailing light level

and weather conditions. It can see in total darkness, in the darkest of nights, through fog, in the far distance,

through smoke and is able to detect anyone hiding in the shadows. It is used for security and surveillance,

maritime, automotive, firefighting and many other applications.

FLIR Systems is the world leader in the design and manufacturing of thermal imaging cameras for a wide variety

of applications. It has over 50 years of experience and thousands of thermal imaging cameras currently in use

worldwide for security and surveillance, maritime, automotive and other night-vision applications.

FLIR Systems has four manufacturing plants located in the USA: Portland, Boston, Santa Barbara and Bozeman, one in Stockholm,

Sweden and one near Paris, France. It operates offices in the Australia, Belgium, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy,

Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, USA and the United Kingdom.

The company has over 1,900 dedicated infrared specialists, and serves international markets through an international distributor network providing local sales and support functions.

Person discarding a weapon

Forest in low light