What is Isotherm and how to use it?

Thermal imaging, also known as infrared imaging or thermography, captures the heat radiation emitted by objects. It measures temperature variations and represents them visually through a color spectrum. In thermal images, warmer areas appear in red, orange, or yellow, while cooler areas are depicted in blue, green, or purple. Heat, or infrared radiation (IR), is essentially the result of atoms vibrating within an object. The extent of this atomic motion determines an object's heat signature, where greater motion corresponds to higher temperatures. Thermography involves the analysis of these heat signatures and applying the insights gained from thermal imagery for practical purposes.

Isotherms
Isolating specific range of temperature. Which mean you can adjust certain temperature range to highlight so they can stand out. The goals of using isotherms are to find objects of a known temperature against a background of a different temperature and raise an alert or caution whenever temperatures surpass a certain threshold.

Use cases
In industrial settings, various components come with specific temperature limits. When a component reaches its maximum temperature threshold, it often requires replacement or maintenance. Isotherm technology proves invaluable in this scenario. It enables you to define a temperature range of interest, making only that specific range visible while examining the overall scene. This selective visibility enhances your understanding of the situation, ensuring that you can easily spot temperature-related issues and take necessary action.

In the case of public safety, especially within search and rescue operations, a cautious approach is crucial when employing isotherm technology. Isotherms are powerful tools, but their reliability can be compromised by numerous variables. Sometimes, rather than aiding the search, isotherms can create confusion the very thing you're trying to locate, like a person in forest where their skin temperature can be the same as the trees and grass.

Isotherm in drones
Drones equipped with thermal cameras are transforming a variety of industries, providing new perspectives on temperature variations and anomalies. Reading thermal imaging data from drones requires an understanding of camera modes, color palettes, and the ability to interpret temperature differences. With the right skills and knowledge, the applications of this technology are virtually limitless, making it a powerful tool for professionals.

Here is an infographic illustrating how having the correct settings can boost visibility toward your goals.

The illustration above is created in a controlled environment. When users don't set the isotherm manually, it automatically selects the highest temperature in the scene. In scenarios like fires near humans, the isotherm will blend human temperature to the surroundings due to the extreme difference in temperature. To achieve accurate results with isotherms, you must have a good grasp of several factors, including the object's temperature and current weather conditions. Although it's not 100% accurate, this tool can still be a lifesaver when used correctly in each situation.

Here is how to set the isotherm settings