THERMAL MAPPING & GIS:
Tapping A Useful (Yet Invisible) Data Source:
While invisible to the human eye, themographic sensors can detect, image and analyze radiation (or energy) patterns offering a very effective tool for documenting temperature relationships within an environment. Aerial thermal mapping and terrestrial thermal mapping techniques can be used for wide range of applications including energy audits, structural damage assessments, tank volume inventory, emergency management, roof leakage identification, electrical hazard reporting, water contamination, monitoring wildlife inventories and even critical tool for Sustainability Programs. All, of which, can be easily integrated into a GIS (Geographic Information System) solution for documentation and analysis.
Aerial, Terrestrial & Mobile Thermography:
The reason thermal mapping (also known as Infrared Thermography or IRT) is capable of analyzing diverse technical subjects is grounded in thermography's simplicity. Basically, thermography is the assessment of heat transfer. The benefit of 'seeing' this simple phenomenon is that it can illustrate 'differences' in an environment whether it's a lone deer grazing in a pasture to a pocket of moisture trapped within a cement wall. By identifying that there is something 'different going on here', this process leads to good geography questions such as 'why is there a difference here' and so on... Ultimately, uncovering source culprits such as a malfunctioning circuit or fissures in a roof membrane.
Simple, But Not So Simple...:
Here comes the complex part. Every environment acts differently in how the energy relates within it. To make things even more complicated, most environments evolve on a daily and seasonal basis - changing the way objects emit, absorb, and even reflect radiation. With this in mind, there is plenty of variability, approximation and relativity when utilizing thermography. In this regard, it is often important to have a certified thermographer with the training and experience to process and analyze thermal mapping data appropriately for professional applications.
Preventative Maintenance:
The adage 'out of sight, out of mind' is very relevant to the value of thermal mapping. Because we can't see radiation with human eye, we typically don't know something is wrong until something breaks, malfunctions or sometimes ignites! In this way, thermal mapping is an excellent tool for preventative maintenance. It can let you know if something is trending outside of the norm and may be the source of a potential issue. With this in mind, simple measures in management can be taken instead of dealing a larger resulting catastrophic issue due to the lack of awareness. Moreover, this data can be directly integrated into a useful GIS solution of Smart City initiative for organization, analysis and visualization.
Aerial Thermal Mapping:
Aerial thermal mapping is a powerful tool. Our aircraft based systems are useful for larger mapping areas, such as university campuses, industrial facilities, river systems or farmland, while our UAV Systems ** are very effective tool for detailed assessment of elevated structural features that would otherwise be difficult to access, such as a power lines and cell towers. As an added safety advantage, airborne options are excellent resources for accessing elevated locations that would otherwise present risks to employees. Depending on the project size and goals, we have helicopter, fixed-winged aircraft and various UAV systems (Learn More) available for thermographic acquisitions across North America. **Access Geographic was one of only 75 firms in the United States granted a Nighttime Operations Waiver by the FAA on the first day Part 107 Ruling was initiated.
Terrestrial Thermal Mapping:
While aerial thermal systems are a great resource for identifying exterior anomaly patterns, supplementing thermal mapping projects with boots on the ground has its own advantages. Field teams using precision thermal systems can strategically 'spot-check' sites of concern identified within the initial aerial thermal mapping assessment or investigate individual structures where there are known issues. Obviously, terrestrial (or ground-based) thermal mapping teams also have the advantage of direct access to interior spaces and other enclosed environments, which is also critical to fully source and understand thermal signatures.
How Can We Help You?:
Our solid foundation of mapping and GIS project experience matched with our team of certified thermographers makes Access Geographic one of the leading providers of thermal mapping & GIS services in North America. Don't hesitate to reach out and ask for more information on this powerful geospatial resource can support your next project.
