Drones

four causes for radiometric thermal zoom for drones

Teledyne FLIR’s VUE TZ20-R is a game changer for commercial drones, for applications ranging from search and rescue to solar inspection. In a recent webinar, Teledyne FLIR’s Kelly Brodbeck shares 4 reasons why drone pilots need radiometric thermal zoom capabilities.

The radiometric thermal zoom capabilities of the VUE TZ20-R are the result of careful market research. Since FLIR was acquired by Teledyne last year, “we’re a much bigger company these days,” says Brodbeck. “Our combined businesses really cover all the measurement, imaging and data acquisition tasks you can perform across the magnetic spectrum.” Teledyne FLIR products work on land, air and water around the world and even others Planets – but some elements of the imaging are constant.

“It’s always a good thing to get closer to subjects,” says Brodbeck. “With a drone, if you can’t get very close to your subject, it’s essential.”

What is radiometric thermal zoom?

All photographers understand what it means to zoom into an image. Radiometry, Brodbeck explains, “is the process of taking the information at each pixel of a thermal image and linking that information to something the human brain can understand, such as a temperature.”

The ability to obtain absolute temperature information, rather than simply understanding that an object is warmer or colder than its surroundings, brings a new level of usefulness to the data. “Thermal images provide much more information,” says Brodbeck.

The VUE TZ20-R differs in design and clarity from other thermal imaging cameras on the market. “Most products get very blurry when zoomed in – even misleading,” Brodbeck points out. Two BOSON cameras, one set for a narrow field of view and one set for a wide field of view, give drone pilots improved situational awareness while allowing for full-resolution zoom.

4 reasons why drone pilots need radiometric thermal zoom

The TZ20-R is great technology – but how does it add value?

  • Clear radiometric images

Clear and accurate radiometric images offer real added value for industrial inspections: from power lines to solar farms, radiometric data is vital for asset assessments.

The dual cameras offer an unprecedented field of view: and with a sensor that offers full resolution when zoomed, pilots can zoom in on their targets for a closer look, rather than having to fly to their targets. That means pilots and stakeholders can see more in less time – and for applications like search and rescue, that could make a life-saving difference.

Whether a drone pilot is working to maintain a safe distance from power lines or silently following a suspect, flying from a safe distance is often crucial. However, the ability to maintain a safe distance depends on a sensor’s ability to provide clear and accurate images at a distance.

This clean imagery, Brodbeck says, is all about enabling an appropriate response to a situation: whether it’s at an industrial energy site or an active crime scene. In the example below, more information gives stakeholders the information they need to accurately assess an event.

“It’s about making the right decision,” says Brodbeck. “That enables the clarity of the TZ20-R.”

Finally, Teledyne FLIR offers a range of products designed to maximize the effectiveness of thermal data. With a wide range of features and an efficient workflow, drone pilots can get the most out of their flights, using Thermal Studio to create sophisticated reports and manipulate data for optimized value.

The Teledyne FLIR VUE TZ20-R is one of the drone products released this year with truly new features – and both drone pilots and their customers will continue to find new uses for better and faster data.

Read more about the VUE TZ20-R, best practices for thermal drone mapping and the VUE TZ20 for public safety.

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