Thermal imaging drones can be used to measure temperature and identify thermal anomalies, with different temperature measurement modes tailored to specific mission requirements. Want to know the various temperature measurement modes of thermal imaging drones and their applications?
The following is a detailed analysis of common temperature measurement modes for thermal imaging drones and their applicable applications. Different temperature measurement modes can be selected based on specific scenarios, helping businesses improve efficiency, reduce risks, and enhance safety.
What is a thermal imaging drone?
Thermal imaging drones are typically equipped with infrared thermal imaging cameras that detect infrared radiation emitted by objects and convert it into visual heat maps. They provide thermal data collection and enhance situational awareness for a variety of industries.
Thermal imaging drones typically feature dual or triple cameras, combining RGB and thermal imaging for superior data perception capabilities. Popular thermal imaging drones include the DJI Mavic 3T, M30T, Autel EVO II Dual 640T, EVO MAX 4T, and Parrot Anafi.
Main Temperature Measurement Modes of Thermal Imaging Drones
The temperature measurement modes of thermal imaging drones are generally based on the capabilities of the thermal imaging camera, including radiometric, non-radiometric, and specific measurement settings (such as spot temperature measurement, regional temperature measurement, and isotherm mode).
The Autel thermal imaging drone's thermal imager uses an uncooled VOx microbolometer sensor, so here we will only discuss the common Multiple Temperature Measurement Modes of Autel thermal imaging drones: Spot Temperature Measurement, Regional Temperature Measurement, Central Temperature Measurement, Temperature Alarm, Isotherm, and Image Enhancement.
Thermal Imaging Drone Spot Metering Mode
Spot measurement measures the precise temperature of a specific point in the image. Spot measurement provides precise temperature values for a single pixel or a small area, making it ideal for quickly detecting the temperature of a specific target.
Regional Temperature Measurement Mode
Regional temperature measurement defines a region within an image and measures the maximum, minimum, or average temperature within that region. Regional temperature measurement supports real-time display of temperature distribution parameters, making it suitable for analyzing the temperature distribution of targets over large areas.
Central Temperature Measurement Mode
Central temperature measurement displays the temperature in the center of the screen. This allows you to roughly determine the average temperature of the selected area and estimate the effects of temperature differences.
Temperature Alarm Mode
Temperature Alarm alerts users when the temperature of a specific area reaches a predetermined threshold. This feature helps drone operators quickly locate problem areas.
Isotherm Mode
Isotherm Mode highlights areas within a specified temperature range by setting a temperature threshold. It is often used to quickly identify abnormal heat or cold spots. Isotherm mode visualizes a specific temperature range and is commonly used for electrical fault detection or search and rescue missions.
Image Enhancement Mode on Thermal Imaging Drones
Image Enhancement mode allows users to adjust image brightness, contrast, and image detail in real time. This mode is particularly helpful when thermal imaging details are missing in certain areas, allowing users to confirm further details.
In addition, the Autel thermal imaging drone's high-gain and low-gain modes can further optimize image detail. High-gain mode enhances thermal sensitivity, allowing detection of subtle temperature differences, making it suitable for high-precision missions. Low-gain mode covers a wider temperature range, making it ideal for high-temperature or extreme environments.
Applications of Thermal Drone Temperature Measurement Modes
Thanks to the powerful performance and diverse temperature measurement modes of thermal drones, breakthroughs have been achieved in various industries. Let's take a look at the main applications of thermal drones and their applicable modes.
Search and Rescue and Public Safety
Search and rescue operations, especially in complex environments, require the support of thermal drones. Examples include searching for missing persons in forests, mountains, or post-disaster debris; nighttime or low-visibility operations; and supporting police pursuits and law enforcement.
Spot temperature measurement mode quickly locates human heat signatures (such as at night or in dense fog), eliminating the need for precise temperature readings.
Isotherm mode highlights the human temperature range (approximately 30°C-37°C), making it easier to identify targets in complex environments.
Industry and Infrastructure Inspection
Electrical and energy inspections are now more efficient with drone aerial inspections. Non-contact aerial inspections using thermal drones can effectively detect abnormal heating of high-voltage transmission lines and substation equipment, the thermal insulation performance of building exterior walls, leaks in pipes, storage tanks, and roofs, and assess the efficiency of solar photovoltaic panels.
Area temperature measurement can detect hot or cold spots in large-area equipment (such as transformers and solar panels).
Isotherm mode is suitable for temperature monitoring of high-temperature equipment.
Spot temperature measurement mode quickly pinpoints energy consumption issues, providing accurate readings to prevent and maintain heat loss.
Agriculture and Crop Monitoring
With the implementation of precision agriculture and smart farms, thermal drones are proving their potential in agriculture. They can be used for crop health monitoring, land irrigation optimization, livestock management, and more. Regional temperature measurement can be used to analyze temperature distribution in fields or crops, identifying areas with insufficient irrigation or pest infestations.
Isotherm mode can be used to highlight areas of crop stress (such as abnormal temperatures caused by water shortages or disease).
Central temperature measurement mode can be used to analyze soil moisture distribution over large areas of farmland using thermal maps to optimize water use.
Firefighting and Disaster Response
Thermal imaging drones offer unique advantages in firefighting and disaster response scenarios. Infrared thermal drones can be used for fire detection, post-disaster assessment, and hazardous chemical monitoring.
Low-gain mode: Measure high-temperature areas (e.g., above 400°C) at a fire scene.
Isotherms and Thermal Tracking: Locate fire sources or hot spots, penetrate smoke and identify dangerous areas.
Point Temperature Measurement: Quickly assess fire temperatures and guide firefighting strategies.
Environmental and Wildlife Conservation
Thermal imaging drones can be widely used in environmental and ecological protection applications, such as wildlife monitoring, poacher detection, environmental analysis and research, and marine ecological monitoring.
High-Gain Mode: Detects weak heat signatures from wildlife, suitable for nighttime or dense forest environments.
Regional Temperature Measurement: Monitors temperature distribution within habitats and analyzes ecological changes.
Real-Time Thermal Tracking: Tracks animal movements and reduces habitat disturbance.
Thermal Drone Temperature Measurement Modes and Accuracy
The multiple temperature measurement modes of thermal imaging drones make them flexible for use in various industries, but we must also pay attention to temperature measurement accuracy in different environments. Key factors affecting temperature measurement accuracy include ensuring the effectiveness of the temperature measurement mode.
The emissivity, reflectivity, spot size, and resolution of the thermal imaging drone's camera, as well as environmental factors (atmospheric temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and measurement distance), can all contribute to errors in the drone's thermal readings. Therefore, when using a thermal imaging drone for temperature measurement, calibration is required based on actual conditions to improve accuracy.
Read More: How To Improve The Temperature Measurement Accuracy Error of Thermal Imaging Drone?
Notes and Recommendations About Thermal Drones
Different missions require different temperature measurement modes. If the mission requires precise temperature measurements (such as industrial inspections), select point measurement and area measurement modes. If only thermal signature detection is required (such as search and rescue), isotherm mode or high-gain mode is sufficient.
The higher the resolution of a thermal drone camera, the better. When performing temperature measurement missions, thermal camera drones with 640×512 or higher resolutions (1280×1024) are preferred to obtain detailed data.
The more sensitive the drone's thermal sensitivity, the better. Choose a camera with a NETD of less than 40mK to ensure detection of even the smallest temperature differences.
The longer the flight time of a thermal drone, the better. Drones with long-endurance capabilities, such as the Autel EVO Max 4T, are more suitable for long missions and repeated thermal data collection to ensure data reliability.
Pay attention to the regulatory compliance of thermal drones for commercial flights. In the United States, drone pilots must comply with applicable laws and regulations, and must pass Part 107 testing to ensure that their thermal imaging technology and data meet regulatory requirements.
Conclusion
The multiple temperature measurement modes of thermal imaging drones make them powerful tools for search and rescue, industrial inspection, agriculture, firefighting, and environmental protection.
Choosing a thermal imaging drone that supports multiple temperature measurement modes, such as the Autel EVO II Dual 640T or Autel EVO MAX 4T/4N, will significantly improve efficiency and safety.
