Thermal Imaging

Thermal imaging, also known as thermal infrared (TIR) remote sensingRemote SensingRemote sensing is the science of collecting data about Earth's surface without direct physical contact, primarily usi..., detects the infrared radiation emitted by all objects with temperatures above absolute zero and converts it into visible images or temperature maps. Unlike optical sensors that measure reflected sunlight, thermal sensors measure emitted energy, enabling observation regardless of solar illumination and revealing surface temperature patterns invisible to the human eye. Thermal wavelengths and sensorsThermal remote sensing typically operates in the mid-wave infrared (3-5 µm) and long-wave infrared (8-14 µm) atmospheric windows. Satellite-based thermal sensors include Landsat's TIRS, MODIS, ASTER, and ECOSTRESS, while airborne and drone-mounted thermal cameras provide higher-resolution imagery for site-specific applications. ApplicationsThermal imaging is used for urban heat islandUrban Heat IslandThe Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect occurs when cities experience significantly higher temperatures than surrounding r... analysis and climate-resilient city planning, building energy audits (detecting heat loss through roofs and walls), volcanic monitoring and geothermal exploration, wildfire detection and monitoring, precision agriculturePrecision AgriculturePrecision Agriculture uses geospatial data, remote sensing, and IoT sensors to optimize farming practices at a sub-fi... (identifying crop water stress), and industrial equipment inspection. Satellite thermal data is essential for computing land surface temperature, evapotranspiration, and soil moisture. Thermal imaging provides a unique and complementary perspective on Earth's surface processes. Its ability to reveal temperature variations invisible to optical sensors makes it indispensable for energy management, hazard monitoring, and environmental science.