The heat energy radiated from people or objects, in the form of infrared waves, is picked up by thermal imaging equipment. This can identify the energy differences from the people or objects being scanned and convert the readings into visual images, which are based on the temperature differential. Residual heat, showing where a person has been, for example sitting in a mode of transport, may also be detected.
Images may be displayed in black and white or in a colour range. The manufacturer’s information should be referred to for descriptions of how higher or hotter temperatures will be displayed on their equipment.
The use of thermal imaging equipment has operational limitations. Examples of these would be the detection of a heat source from people in the water, people with hypothermia or people hidden in areas with dense plant or tree growth.
Thermal imaging equipment may include:
- Thermal imaging cameras (TIC)
- Thermal imaging equipment fitted to aerial resources, such as:
- Drones (classified as a type of unmanned aircraft by the Civil Aviation Authority)
- Helicopters
Aerial resource thermal imaging equipment needs to be supported by a downlink, which personnel can view when searching for a person.