Thermal imaging, a wave of adoption follows a drop in pricing

CCTV Handbook 2014 Surveillance

The use of thermal imaging cameras for surveillance has increased significantly over the last three to five years as pricing has dropped. The benefits are significant, whether used to augment or replace traditional CCTV systems. This is driving organisations across many industries including commercial facilities to residential housing estates, mining operations and utility and industrial sector companies, to invest in thermal imaging technologies for security and threat detection, maintenance and many other uses.

Ted Manly, MD, Jasco Security Solutions.
Ted Manly, MD, Jasco Security Solutions.

How does thermal imaging work?

Unlike standard CCTV cameras that rely on reflected visible light to produce images, thermal imaging cameras use infrared to create images based on heat emitted by natural or inanimate objects. Infrared cameras literally allow us to see in the dark and through atmospheric obscurants such as smoke, dust or bad weather. Another advantage is the reach of these devices, with high-end solutions ranging up to 4 km for un-cooled detector type cameras and up to 28 km for cooled type cameras. Intelligent imaging analytics help eliminate false alarming, the maintenance and lifecycle costs of devices are low, and these solutions are built using open systems that allow integration into the majority of CCTV systems and security platforms. The detector mean time between Failures (MTBF) is guaranteed up to 10 years for un-cooled cameras, whereas MTBF for the cooled cameras is around 10 000 hours due to the cooler construction.

Who is using thermal imaging?

Thermal imaging is being applied commercially for surveillance and threat detection with an emphasis on preventative measures rather than recognition purposes. These cameras are especially useful for perimeter surveillance, but also for preventative maintenance on critical and high value machinery and equipment, and to improve safety.

At housing estates, where extensive perimeters may border on natural or built up areas, they are particularly useful for intrusion detection. They are most often used in conjunction with standard CCTV implementations to help eliminate false alarming and to bolster intrusion detection capabilities at night or in low visibility conditions. A recent implementation at a housing estate saw the client use 30 thermal imaging cameras to secure a 13 km perimeter, replacing approximately 150 standard CCTV cameras. Together with a fibre optic cable to ensure connectivity, the implementation cost approximately R3.5 million.

In industrial and mining applications, thermal imaging is used to bolster standard security (i.e., intrusion detection) but also to identify hot spots on equipment that may indicate a need for maintenance, and to improve safety through, for example, identification of movement of people and equipment when there is low visibility. In a recent implementation at a mine, a single infrared camera placed every 600 m replaces 13 standard CCTV cameras. These cameras are also being mounted on vehicles moving inside the mine.

Thermal imaging is even being used to prevent rhino poaching. Attached to airborne drones, infrared cameras help scan vast areas, identifying poachers.

Return on investment

There are a number of benefits that offset the initial cost of thermal imaging equipment. Unit for unit, thermal imaging equipment is about 30-50% higher than the cost of standard equipment. However, over the long term, the cost of ownership of thermal imaging systems is about 25 percent that of standard CCTV systems. Lenses are more durable and do not require constant cleaning. And with no requirement for additional lighting or infrared illumination, there are savings to be had in terms of implementation. There is the added eco-benefit of no light pollution.

As with any technological solution, however, to get the expected return on investment the devices need to have the correct features.

Use a reputable brand that offers a warranty and pay attention to the details. The use of image analytics is a key area of failure – you don’t want alarms sounding every time a rabbit is sighted and you want to be able to distinguish between an antelope and a human threat. While some devices come with built-in analytics, others make use of third-party software. As many of the analytics solutions are weak, it is worthwhile ensuring a suitable solution is used.

For thermal imaging solutions that are used outdoors, a lens that can handle direct sunlight is essential. There is also the matter of image quality. Thermal imaging solutions offer 140, 320 and 640 dpi ranges. Where image quality is important, a higher spec solution is appropriate. A distinction should be made between the capabilities of cooled and uncooled cameras. On applications that require analysis of close temperature spans, the cooled camera is the preferred instrument, while the uncooled camera with its long-wave operation is less affected by solar radiation and is therefore more suited to outside work.

An experienced service provider will be able to guide you in your selection of solutions. Find a company with a proven track record that understands the challenges your facility or organisation may face. It is certainly worth the investment.

For more information contact Jasco Security Solutions, +27 (0)11 266 1500, [email protected], www.jasco.co.za





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Hikvision launches AcuSeek NVR
Surveillance Products & Solutions AI & Data Analytics
By integrating natural language interaction, Hikvision’s AcuSeek NVR enables precise video and image retrieval within seconds, marking a transformative milestone for the security industry's advance into intelligent and efficient applications.

Read more...
2025 video surveillance market set for improved fortunes
News & Events Surveillance
Novaira Insights has unveiled its latest report, World Market for Video Surveillance Hardware and Software – 2025 Edition, forecasting a healthy growth rate of 8,1% until 2029, excluding China.

Read more...
Dallmeier and Hexagon form a technology partnership
Surveillance
Dallmeier and Hexagon have agreed to form a technology partnership, which will see the two companies combine their expertise to develop integrated security solutions for various application areas, particularly critical infrastructures.

Read more...
Analyse, automate, and optimise logistics processes
neaMetrics Surveillance Transport (Industry) Products & Solutions Logistics (Industry)
In today’s rapidly evolving logistics sector, the pressure to improve process efficiency, optimise resource usage, and ensure seamless security is more intense than ever. Smart, proactive surveillance is no longer a luxury — it is a critical operational necessity.

Read more...
Safer spaces through smart surveillance
NEC XON Surveillance
Advances in facial recognition technology are transforming surveillance from a mere recording tool into an intelligent, integrated system that enhances real-time safety, moving beyond the traditional expansion of CCTV efforts.

Read more...
Next generation of AI-powered video telematics
IoT & Automation Surveillance Transport (Industry)
Webfleet, Bridgestone’s fleet management solution in South Africa, has launched Webfleet Video 2.0, an AI-powered solution designed to enhance fleet safety, security, compliance with local regulations and operational efficiency through real-time video insights.

Read more...
Key design considerations for a control room
Leaderware Editor's Choice Surveillance Training & Education
If you are designing or upgrading a control room, or even reviewing or auditing an existing control room, there are a number of design factors that one would need to consider.

Read more...
Smart cities and the role of video security
Surveillance Integrated Solutions
As cities around the world continue to embrace smart technology, including IoT that not only connects to people, but also the surrounding activity, the integration of advanced video security systems is crucial to ensure safety and efficiency in environments.

Read more...
How intrusion protection helps secure O&G operations
Surveillance Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection Industrial (Industry)
For O&G operators in Africa, physical security remains one of the biggest considerations, particularly when it comes to perimeter protection and the ability to mitigate intruder-related incidents.

Read more...
Axis secures the Waterfront
Surveillance Entertainment and Hospitality (Industry) Retail (Industry)
Axis Communications shares insight into its longstanding partnership with the V&A Waterfront, one of Africa’s premier retail and mixed-use precincts, through its latest, updated customer success story.

Read more...










While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd. | All Rights Reserved.