SkyPhotos LLC - Droning ThoughtsSkyPhotos LLC - Droning Thoughtshttps://skyphotosllc.com/airmailFri, 27 Mar 2026 06:52:09 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[What the New U.S. Drone Restrictions Mean for Clients — and How Sky Photos Is Responding]]>https://skyphotosllc.com/airmail/post/USA_UAS_restrictions

Sky Photos and Drone Service Providers are challenged.

Significant changes are underway in the U.S. drone industry, and they go well beyond audits or paperwork updates. What is emerging is an outright restriction on future drone equipment acquisition, tied not just to aircraft manufacturers, but to foreign‑made critical components used throughout modern UAS systems.

This is not a retroactive grounding of existing drones. But it does freeze future technology access unless and until compliant platforms become available.

The Risk of Policy Uncertainty

Current rules are not retroactive, there is plenty of concern for the future. Regulatory frameworks can evolve, and retroactive limitations are not impossible in the future. Fundamentally this is a safety issue and requires careful equipment tracking and maintenance, as well as staying aware of regulations and maintaining a positive relationship with regulatory agencies. 

What this means Right Now

There is no ban on existing equipment.  Current equipment can and will be used, insured, repaired, flown, and maintained under existing rules. Currently sold models will remain legal to operate at this time. Sky Photos has drones available to capture your building site, event, social media posts, and more. 

Thinking about the future

No one knows exactly what the situation is going to be in the future. I suspect not even the rule makers know. Without clarification or new approvals, the industry is effectively paused at 2025‑era technology, with limited ability to adopt newer platforms. Industry analysts and aviation publications have confirmed that enforcement actions focus on new procurement, not immediate flight prohibitions. If you work in technology, you KNOW that this will eventually lead to information security issues, but we are not there yet, and current platforms are still being maintained. 

Autel Max 4T

Procurement Bans for foreign drones.

Under new federal rules and regulatory actions, Non US made drones and drone components are on the "federal agencies and federally funded projects will be prohibited from acquiring new drones that are manufactured or assembled by “covered foreign entities” after December 22, 2025. This restriction applies to federal procurement and federal funding pathways, not to private ownership or current flight operations.


The official announcement is on twitter: https://x.com/BrendanCarrFCC/status/2003179047438762084

We expected a "DJI-Autel" restriction. We got something much wider

The FCC’s updated approach extends beyond complete aircraft to include critical UAS components, such as:

  • Flight controllers

  • Ground control stations

  • Navigation systems

  • Batteries and motors

In the case of DJI, Due to the NDAA in 2024, the ban also includes a significant amount of professional media production. 

  • Gimbals
  • Broadcast modules
  • Cameras
  • Microphones  and more.

There is no "safe list" of drones available

In practical terms, this means that any drone relying on foreign‑manufactured components may fall under these restrictions when purchased or introduced after the cutoff date. Given today’s global supply chains, that currently describes nearly every commercially available drone platform.

At the time of writing, there is no publicly available “safe list” of approved compliant drones or components. While the Department of Homeland Security and related bodies may add approved systems in the future, no comprehensive list has yet been published. 

There are some limited options and we are sure that as the fallout from this expansive overreach. Until then Sky Photos will be continuing to obey the rules of the game even as they change.

Market and industry changes

There are a number of domestic manufacuterers competing for the military drone market. It's a significant industry. There are a few companies now producing drones in the USA, but few if any can produce at the scale of current market leaders. These restrictions are still being examined but organizations using public federal funding will see drastic cost increases in the near future.

What Sky Photos is doing

Sky Photos exists because the Chief Pilot Craig is a safety oriented, skilled pilot and photographer. This does not change. 

We will continue to provide the highest quality service with the best equipment for the job, in an insured, airworthy, legal, and most important safe fashion.

About Sky Photos
NYS Capital building

Sky Photos will keep monitoring local, state, regional and federal regulations that impact drone operations and photography in general.  We will keep our customers informed and manage the compliance, authorizations, documentation, and maintenance involved in aircraft operations. We will offer honest advice about operational constraints, timelines, and challenges.

Get inspired

Sky Photos will continue to provide the highest quality images and video available for your operations. We can offer high resolution Photography, Videography, and thermal images for our clients to help elevate their image. We provide critical data for project management and inevestors to make sound business decisions. Sky Photos is your go-to solution for managing aerial data at your business.

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_csp_www_faasafety_gov_
]]>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 21:47:28 -0500<![CDATA[Drone Search and Rescue]]>https://skyphotosllc.com/airmail/post/drone-search-and-rescueDrones can be powerful tools in Search and Rescue—but only when used with the same discipline ground teams rely on. Whether you're part of a formal response team or supporting local efforts, this guide will help you fly with purpose and professionalism.]]>

Hasty vs Grid: Drone Search and Rescue in the Real World

thermal and regular photo of drone operations

No Time To loose

When someone’s missing, there’s no time for guesswork. That’s why organized Search and Rescue (SAR) teams use proven methods—like hasty searches and grid patterns—to cover ground fast and thoroughly.

Drones don’t replace ground teams, but they do offer a serious advantage to the first responders when used with intention. Here I’ll explain how we apply these traditional SAR techniques in the air, and when it makes sense to bring a drone into the mission.

Why Search Strategy Matters

Flying around aimlessly with a drone might feel helpful, but it can actually slow things down. That’s why SAR teams use structured methods and track Probability of Detection (POD)—basically, how likely it is you’ll actually find what you’re looking for in a given area.  Drones can plug into that system, if the pilot understands how coverage and terrain interact. Drone first responders train for this.  Otherwise, it’s just wasted flight time and battery.  In the case where there are possibly multiple pilots in the air, having a Deconfliction Policy is paramount to prevent injuries and unnecessary loss of equipment, and search delays. 


Remember, outside of the incident command structure, there is NO place for an un-announced drone flight. If you feel you want to participate as a drone pilot, you will have to be a recognized member of a SAR organization, or your role will be strictly off the controls and determined by the incident command structure.


Aerial Hasty Searches

A hasty search is the fastest first-pass method we use. On the ground, that might mean checking a trailhead, driveway, or wooded edge near a house.

With a drone, it means flying quick loops or thermal scans around the  last known point (LKP). We’re looking for movement, heat signatures, open areas where someone might be visible, or signs that need closer inspection. it might mean following a road or checking around outbuildings nearby, or just taking a guess about direction and checking things out until you lose line of sight on your drone. 


This method works best:

  • When you have a good idea of where to start

  • In open terrain like fields, parking lots, or neighborhoods

  • When time is short and you need a quick “yes or no” before committing more resources


I use thermal imaging when possible—especially at night or in shoulder seasons where a human body contrasts better with the background.  Using most drones there are options such as AI image recognition for humans, as well as highlighting which makes thermal imaging highly sensitive to people.


Grid Searches with Drones

A grid search is slower, but more thorough. We program the drone to fly overlapping lanes over a defined area, reviewing video or thermal imagery as it appears, often with a visual observer. In my support work, we generally use a 40 inch tv and multiple team members viewing the data to ensure we have "eyes" on at all times. 


With the right planning, you can document exactly what was seen, from what angle, at what time—something not always possible on the ground. There are even options to communicate with the victim, light up the area, and provide high accuracy location data. That makes it easier to contribute to tools like WinCASIE III, which some SAR teams (like ours in Rensselaer County) use to track search effectiveness and plan next moves.


Grids have some limits:

  • They’re time- and battery-intensive
  • Coverage depends on altitude, resolution, and pilot awareness.


Aerial can also be tedious, and looking at the same screen of similar data for any length of time leads to a visual fatigue that is difficult to combat.  One technique for this is to simply change the thermal palette, or the false colors generated showing different heat signatures. 


All drone SAR techniques are limited by battery and pilot fatigue, which is important for incident commands to be aware of. 


Sky Photos Supports the search services of the Rensselaer County Search and Rescue inc (RCSAR), a 50 year old not for profit search organization based in Rensselaer, NY.  When attending searches, Sky Photos operates in conjunction with them and other first responders.  If you are a member of a first responder organization, we would love to hear your stories and learn about how we can help.   Interact with us on Facebook  or use the form linked below, and share your stories!

Get Started Now
]]>Mon, 28 Jul 2025 19:26:03 -0400<![CDATA[Construction Takes to the Air]]>https://skyphotosllc.com/airmail/post/construction-takes-to-the-airDrones are impacting the construction market in several ways.]]>

Drones, Big Data, and Construction

Construction is evolving. Between rising costs, tighter schedules, and a growing demand for safer, more efficient job sites, teams are turning to new tools to keep projects on track. Drones and data are leading that shift — not just as add-ons, but as core parts of how work gets done.

At Sky Photos LLC, we’ve seen firsthand how drone imagery and smart data can improve site workflows, help teams communicate better, and ultimately build with more confidence.

Top down view of construction equipment

Spending Smarter with Visual Data

When every decision affects the bottom line, reliable data is key. Aerial imagery, large scale imagery, and visual progress tracking are giving project managers better tools to spot issues, verify deliveries, and track changes without having to be on site every day. Often it can even be one of your lowest budgeted items. The key is to include data collection within the budget process. 

Sky Photos offers consistent, high-quality drone visits — weekly, monthly, or on demand — that capture the story of a site as it evolves. Photos and short videos are delivered in organized digital folders, ready for reports, stakeholder updates, or internal review. This repeatable, visual record helps avoid delays and supports faster, more accurate decisions. We can even offer long term storage solutions for your records in our cloud systems.

Safer Inspections and Smarter Risk Management

You know what OSHA says about Risk - https://www.osha.gov/safety-management/hazard-identification

Drones have the distinct advantage of keeping your observers safe, on the ground, out of danger.  A quick flight can capture high-resolution images or thermal scans without putting someone at risk. 


We provide drone-based inspections with optional thermal imaging to detect issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye — like trapped moisture, faulty solar panels, or uneven heat distribution. These scans are non-invasive and fast, and they can make a real difference in how teams prioritize repairs or follow up after a storm. Remote cameras mitigate risk - something every business can afford. 

Repeatable Results  - Start to Finish

One of the biggest challenges in construction is consistency. Every project comes with its own variables, but clear documentation and standardized workflows can help smooth things out over the course of your building

Sky Photos supports repeatable success by delivering repeatable photography, focused on your projects lifecycles. Materials, equipment, weather, and every other construction variable over time can feed into your schedule, or feed ON your schedule.  Our recurring site visits can be tailored to match each phase of your build, giving you a reliable archive of progress and changes over time. Whether you're documenting for internal use, client updates, or regulatory needs, everything is handled with consistency in mind.

Construction Technical Teams

The job site of the future includes more than hard hats and safety vests — it includes tablets, flight plans, digital models, and geolocated data of all types. As drones and big data become standard, project managers who understand how to work with these tools will have a serious edge.

Sky Photos works with technically minded contractors and project leads who want clean, useful data without needing to learn new software or build a drone program from scratch. We handle the capture, the post-processing, and the delivery — so you can focus on the work itself.

Curious how this could fit into your workflow? We offer a free 30-minute consultation to walk through your site needs and show how drone imagery or thermal scans can save you time and money. There’s no obligation — just good info, straight from the field.

]]>Thu, 08 May 2025 11:31:35 -0400<![CDATA[Hiring a Drone Pilot? here's your checklist!]]>https://skyphotosllc.com/airmail/post/Certified-PilotsAs a certified drone pilot, I often get asked if I "really need a license to fly." The answer is almost always yes. Here's how you check for y ]]>

Buying a drone is easy. Flying one for business - not so much.

As a certified drone pilot, I often get asked if I "really need a license to fly."

The answer is almost always yes.

Here's how you check for your pilot's credentials. 

Check the Airmen's Registry

The FAA maintains a list of all pilots and their registration in an easy to check out list. This list is located at https://amsrvs.registry.faa.gov/airmeninquiry/ and pilots are located on it by name, address,pilot number and other identifiers. When signing up, the pilot can opt out of everything except their certificate number and name, so sometimes they can be hard to track down. My certificate number is 004300408. Can you find me there? 


Of course Pilots also carry a card similar to your drivers' license, and can provide that when asked too. 



Other things to check

With the Remote pilot Certification, the pilot has to Recertify every 2 years. This information is less easy to track and the best way is to ask the pilot for their Recurrent Certificate. This is a credit card size paper or a full sheet certificate. 

Unlike the TRUST certificate for hobby flight, the Remote pilot certificate allows the pilot to fly "for profit" or in ways that could be "for profit." 

Other Things to look for

Professional service providers carry flight and business insurance to cover any potential mishaps. Look for policies that have 1 million dollars or more in coverage.

Some other things that you may need to look for: 

Workers Compensation - for on the job injuries.

TWIC - Transportation Worker Identification Credential, is a biometric identification card issued by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that verifies the identity and background of individuals who need unescorted access to secure areas of the nation's maritime facilities, vessels, and ports. 

Sky Photos Pilots are TWIC certified.

OSHA - Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Labor that ensures safe and healthy working conditions for employees by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.  There are several flavors of OSHA certification. 

Sky Photos Pilots are OSHA-10 Certified.

SUAS Thermography Thermography is the science of understanding heat transfer and emittance. It is a technique that uses infrared cameras to detect temperature differences and create thermal images.

Sky Photos pilots are Thermography 1 Certified. 

Learn more and ask for a call.
]]>Fri, 28 Feb 2025 13:10:27 -0500<![CDATA[Building Thermography]]>https://skyphotosllc.com/airmail/post/thermal-images-for-buildings

Blog

Heat maps

Why It's Crucial for Building analysis

In the realm of building inspection, traditional visual inspections only tell part of the story. That’s where thermal imagery comes in—a game-changing tool that reveals hidden problems invisible to the naked eye. At Sky Photos, LLC, we use advanced thermal imaging technology, backed by my Level 1 thermographer certification, to analyze building roofs and facades. This allows us to offer both qualitative and quantitative analysis, helping property owners and managers address unseen issues before they escalate into costly repairs.

What is Thermal Imaging?

Thermal imagery, or infrared thermography, uses specialized cameras that detect heat radiation emitted from objects. Everything emits heat, and variations in temperature can point to underlying problems. By capturing this thermal data, we can detect temperature differences and patterns that highlight potential areas of concern, even if they’re buried under layers of material.

As a certified Level 1 thermographer, I provide both qualitative and quantitative thermal analysis. Qualitative analysis focuses on identifying patterns and anomalies, while quantitative analysis gives you precise temperature readings, offering a deeper level of detail that many inspections lack.

Key Applications of Thermal Imagery in Building analysis

  • Detecting Water Under Roofing Membranes

Leaks and trapped moisture can compromise a roof’s structural integrity. With thermal imagery, we can quickly spot areas where water has collected under roofing membranes. The temperature differences between wet and dry areas are unmistakable, allowing us to pinpoint potential leaks with precision.

  • Identifying Solar Panel Issues

Solar panels are a significant investment, and ensuring their efficiency is key. Using thermal imagery, we can detect hotspots on solar panels—indicative of malfunctioning cells or wiring. Whether it’s a small issue affecting efficiency or a larger fault, we provide accurate data to keep your solar energy system performing optimally.

  • Spotting Insulation Issues

Heat loss due to poor insulation leads to higher energy costs and uncomfortable living spaces. Thermal imaging helps identify areas of poor or missing insulation by showing heat leaks, so you can take steps to improve energy efficiency. Quantitative analysis allows us to give precise temperature readings of problem areas, helping you make data-driven decisions.

  • Uncovering Animal Infestations

Thermal imagery can also detect the heat signatures of animals hiding in attics, crawl spaces, or within walls. Whether it’s rodents or larger wildlife, catching an infestation early prevents further damage to the building structure and insulation.

]]>Sat, 07 Sep 2024 13:33:14 -0400<![CDATA[Unlocking the Power of Land Images with Google Earth Pro]]>https://skyphotosllc.com/airmail/post/unlocking-the-power-of-land-images-with-google-earth-pro

Google Earth Pro stands as a cornerstone resource for a myriad of industries ranging from architecture and law to real estate and construction. Among the array of file types it utilizes, one particularly useful format is the KMZ file.

Why It Matters for Your Business

Business benefits:

  • Accident Documentation: Capture the environment at accident sites with precision, complete with time stamps and geolocated photos.
  • 3D Modeling: Create lifelike 3D models of buildings and seamlessly integrate them with KMZ data, offering unparalleled insights into how structures fit into their surroundings.
  • Realtor Showcase: Wow prospective clients with immersive fly-through environments.
  • Construction Efficiency: Identify issues and project stages swiftly by combining KMZ data with survey information.
  • Environmental Monitoring: Track changes over time, identify wildlife habitats, assess plant health, and more.
  • Agricultural Planning: Plan plantings and assess soil temperatures with newfound accuracy.
  • And More!

An orthomosaic image of a gravel mine

Getting Started

What's a KMZ File?

Let's break it down. KML, or Keyhole Markup Language, is a standard developed by Google for  open-source map data. Essentially, it's a language that helps translate geolocated data onto a planetary map set. Now, a KMZ file, which stands for Keyhole Markup Zip, contains the same geolocated data as a KML file but includes extra zipped content like photos. These files are substantial, often containing a wealth of pictures and data that provide insights into various locations around the globe.

To delve into the wonders of a KMZ file, you'll need two essential tools:

      • Google Earth Pro: Available for desktop exploration, this is your gateway to the world.
      • Downloaded KMZ File: Grab it from sources like my We Transfer link (https://we.tl/t-j3jHkQSlbS). Remember, these files are sizable, often reaching up to 200 GB, but they're packed with valuable data.
      • If you're feeling adventurous, you can also snag the Surface Model KMZ (https://we.tl/t-XFK9tMHpwE) file for even more detailed exploration.

        (Links Valid until March 2024)

Open the files with Google Earth Pro

Once you've got everything set up, fire up Google Earth Pro and open the KMZ file from within the program. Now, you're ready to embark on a journey of exploration with near-centimeter accuracy, all within the context of the local environment.

Taking It to the Next Level

If you've downloaded the Surface Model file, you can further enhance your exploration by overlaying it with your existing data or using it individually. This file offers a false-color representation of land heights, showing terrain variations and water flow patterns.

Navigating Limitations

It's important to note some limitations. While KMZ imagery offers incredible insights, it's still a 2D image projected onto a 3D surface, which can look distorted up close. Additionally, foliage can sometimes skew data. These problems are common to Orthomosaic photos, but even with these limits, this technique is great for visualizing an area.

Why Choose Sky Photos LLC?

Navigating these complexities can be daunting, which is why hiring a specialized service like Sky Photos LLC can be invaluable. With expertise in generating high-quality geolocated images and leveraging ground control points placed by your survey team, we elevate your projects with unparalleled data precision. Take your business to new heights with Sky Photos LLC.

With the right tools and knowledge, the world of Orthomosaic imagery opens up huge possibilities for many industries and is revolutionizing how we perceive and interact with our environment.

]]>Fri, 15 Mar 2024 20:35:28 -0400<![CDATA[You Need Sky Photos]]>https://skyphotosllc.com/airmail/post/drones-in-construction

Blog

Does Your Construction Company Really Need a Drone service?

Technology is revolutionizing various industries, and construction is no exception. Drones in construction are reshaping how tasks are approached and completed, the question arises: Does your construction company really need a drone service? 

Enhanced Project Monitoring

Drones give the preverbial bird's-eye view of your construction sites, allowing for comprehensive monitoring of progress. From tracking site logistics to assessing safety compliance, drones provide real-time insights, enabling better decision-making and proactive problem-solving.

Infrared closeup of construction site

Improved Site analysis

Traditional survey methods can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. Drones supplement this by swiftly capturing high-resolution aerial imagery and generating accurate georeferenced photos. This not only saves time but also reduces costs associated with repeated manual surveying techniques.

construction site

Efficient Inspections

Conducting inspections, especially in hard-to-reach, tedious, or hazardous areas, can tax the time and energy of any construction company. Sky Photos Drones equipped with cameras can inspect structures, roofs, and other inaccessible areas with ease, minimizing safety risks for personnel while ensuring thorough assessments.

Parking Lot

Progress Documentation

Documenting construction progress is crucial for project management and stakeholder communication. Drones facilitate the creation of time-lapse videos and high-quality imagery, offering comprehensive visual documentation from project inception to completion.

Enhanced Marketing and Client Communication

Impress clients and stakeholders with stunning aerial footage showcasing project milestones and completed works. Drones capture captivating visuals that can be utilized for marketing materials, presentations, and client updates, enhancing your company's professional image.

Race track starting line

Even with these benefits, it's essential to evaluate whether a drone program aligns with your specific needs and operations. Considering project scale, budget, regulatory compliance, safety, and other factors when deciding on an aerial photography solution.

At Sky Photos, LLC, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities faced by construction companies. Our tailored drone imagery services cater to your project requirements, whether it's documentation, monitoring, site analysis, or inspections. Partnering with us ensures access to cutting-edge technology and expertise, empowering your construction endeavors for success at a reasonable cost, just like hiring other subcontractors.

Sky Photos LLC can also help set up your internal drone program for success and safety. Ask for a consultation today!

While not every construction site can benefit from drone site documentation, innovative solutions like drone technology can undoubtedly elevate your efficiency, safety, and overall project outcomes. Are you ready to soar to new heights with drones? Reach out to us at Sky Photos, LLC, and let's explore the possibilities together!

]]>Wed, 31 Jan 2024 22:21:54 -0500<![CDATA[Insurance]]>https://skyphotosllc.com/airmail/post/insurance

Blog

Insurance

Sky Photos carries insurance. A lot of insurance in fact. We carry more insurance than we need to in some ways. We do this because it is important to protect our customers and ourselves. It is a critical level of assurance to our customers that our business operates professionally, successfully and responsibly. 

How much insurance?

We carry flight, business, workers compensation, and umbrella insurance, and even more at a personal level. We are very serious about protecting the assets of our customers.

That's a LOT of insurance!

We carry this insurance to assure our customers. our liability policies exceed a million dollars per claim, and our workers compensation assures our construction customers that we won't additionally burden their own policies.

We're also OSHA-10 Certified and TWIC Certified! 

Would you like to see our forms? Contact Sky Photos today!

]]>Mon, 02 Oct 2023 16:17:44 -0400<![CDATA[Social Media]]>https://skyphotosllc.com/airmail/post/social-media-links-and-accounts-to-follow

Blog

Social Media

for Sky Photos LLC

Sky Photos LLC maintains an active social media presence. Below are the links to the accounts we maintain as well as what we use them for.

You should like, follow, subscribe, or bookmark all of them to keep up on the latest in drone information, entertaining videos, beautiful photos, and important business updates!

If you want QR Codes just Scroll Down!

facebooklinkedininstagramvimeoyoutube

I’m Craig Weston, Chief Pilot of Sky Photos. I capture beautiful and useful photos and videos using my drones and other platforms to market and inform businesses. I focus on construction, architecture, and project management. I can help your business capture your progress, find solutions to your issues, and elevate your image. Let’s work together today to take your vision to new heights with Sky Photos.

I’m Craig Weston, Chief Pilot of Sky Photos. I capture beautiful and useful photos and videos using my drones and other platforms to market and inform businesses. I focus on construction, architecture, and project management. I can help your business capture your progress, find solutions to your issues, and elevate your image. Let’s work together today to take your vision to new heights with Sky Photos.

I’m Craig Weston, Chief Pilot of Sky Photos. I capture beautiful and useful photos and videos using my drones and other platforms to market and inform businesses. I focus on construction, architecture, and project management. I can help your business capture your progress, find solutions to your issues, and elevate your image. Let’s work together today to take your vision to new heights with Sky Photos.

Facebook

The grand book of faces is your source for news, updates and the occasional video. 

Linkedin

Business news and promotions

Instagram

Great for photos, short videos and views of the capital region and beyond!  This is probably the most active feed.

Vimeo

This site is used for sharing finished work as well as creating video shorts and other interesting products

Youtube

Great for showing off new videos and recently captured media. More "social" than promotional but still fun!

]]>Mon, 18 Sep 2023 13:14:56 -0400<![CDATA[What is emissivity?]]>https://skyphotosllc.com/airmail/post/what-is-emissivity

Blog

Emissivity

Thermal emissivity is the ability of a material to emit thermal radiation. It is a measure of how well a material absorbs and re-emits heat. Materials with high emissivity absorb more heat and emit more thermal radiation than materials with low emissivity.

WHAT?

If you have ever seen glow in the dark paint, you have seen emissivity at work. in the thermal spectrum, the amount of energy something can give off is related to how hot it is. Kind of like exposing glow in the dark paint to a bright light. 

How does this help? 

Emissivity is a factor in idenfiying what is happening at the surface of a subject. Hot parts of images give off heat, but emissive surfaces give off heat faster.  So a hot surface looks hotter, and a cooler but highly emissive surface will look warmer, longer than a cooler low emissive surface.

In Thermography class, we are taught how to adjust for emissivity to obtain a good estimate for temperature based on our own equipment. Without going into details, it involves a LOT of electrical tape, and a 5 gallon bucket of ice water!

 

How is emissivity used?

Thermographers use this concept to help identify temperatures in many different ways. 

Some examples: 

  • Search and rescue: Thermal camera drones can be used to detect people and objects in low-light conditions or through smoke and fog. This can be useful for search and rescue missions in areas where visibility is poor, especially at night.
  • Inspection: Thermal camera drones can be used to inspect structures or equipment. This can be useful for inspecting power lines, pipelines, or buildings. Solar panels!
  • Agriculture: Thermal cameras can be used to monitor crops for heat stress or pests. This can help farmers to improve crop yields as well as look for nusance wildlife.
  • Wildfire monitoring: Thermal cameras can be used to detect hot spots and track the spread of wildfires. This can help firefighters to fight wildfires more effectively. 
  • Building inspection: Thermal cameras can be used to inspect buildings for energy leaks. This can help building owners to save money on energy costs.
  • Environmental science: Monitoring envnronments where any two temperatures mix
  • Process monitoring: Thermal drones can determine the volume, relative or exact temperature, and thermal conditions of large scale processes, such as cemement or asphault processes. 
  • So much more 
    What uses do you want to see for thermal images?

Looking at this image of the USS Slater, the coolest and least emissive parts of the image are visible. Those are the sky and water. 

If you look at the hull of the ship, you can see that even the different paint colors have differnt emissive values.  

Of course, the highest heat items are fully exposed to the sun, and warmed cement will be visible for hours even after the sun has set. 

]]>Wed, 30 Aug 2023 19:37:31 -0400