One of the unsung heroes of modern measurement has to be thermal imaging.  In terms of obtaining accurate data regarding temperature, nothing can beat thermal imaging equipment.  Although it’s a popular technique in film and television, there’s more to a thermal imaging scan that what’s popularly depicted on CSI: Miami.  Although it certainly has its uses for the criminal justice system, thermal imaging can be much more valuable in industry for a whole range of reasons.

1. Thermal imaging is non-invasive, and it’s not destructive either; therefore, it can be used without causing any impact on the area being measured. Equipment does not have to be shut down, so no manufacturing time is lost.  Furthermore, it allows for analysis of temperatures while processes are in operation if that is the desired measure.
2. They are very fast, so you can obtain real-time surveys that are accurate.
3. They are reliable, and thermal scans have been able to reduce stoppages and breakdowns significantly in plants where they have been introduced. Maintenance costs and production losses are also minimized.
4. Modern thermal imaging equipment is very precise, allowing for an analysis of a space in significant detail. Temperature variations can be pinpointed very accurately so that you can see hot areas, cold areas, and gradations of both.
5. It increases energy efficiency and safety, which helps business to comply with insurance requirements and risk avoidance measures.
6. They are very malleable so that they can be adjusted to fit the needs of a wide variety of industries. They can also be used at different times both before, during, and after a manufacturing process.
7. They provide a visual representation of temperature in a way that numbers on a readout cannot. There’s a reason that they’re so popular in film and television; they are easy to process and understand.  As such, if you want to demonstrate to a lay person the temperature variations in a space, a thermal image is the best option possible.