Thermal Imagery – From the Military to Your Business
New technologies seem to be developed at a borderline alarming pace but many of them remain out of reach of anyone but the governments and militaries of the world until popular applications are found and mass production begins. Thermal imaging is one such example.
Developed for military use as early as 1958 in order to be able to see targets in the darkness or across the smoke of a battlefield. The first commercially available thermal camera was developed for powerline inspections in 1965 and remained in limited usage until 1997. This is when FLIR (the company that had developed the original technology under the name of AGA) brought out the first thermal cameras that didn’t require a liquid coolant (originally the sensor required cooling via liquid nitrogen, not a practical solution for the ‘home user’).
This new iteration of the technology had no moving parts, making it easier to mass produce and so lowering the price and finally putting the technology within the reach of the business professional.
Industry was relatively quick to tap into the potential of the thermal image to provide information about electrical equipment and power lines and new uses are being established as time passes. The thermal image is proving to be a powerful tool especially when combined with the agility of the drone and its ability to reach inaccessible areas to provide a bird’s eye view.
Drone Media Imaging is equipped with state of the art drones and thermal imaging cameras as well as a licensed and experienced team to delivery a service to meet your imaging needs. Find out more about our thermal imaging service here.
IEC 62446 Solar String Testing Now Available
Drone Media Imaging now offers certified IEC 62446-compliant solar string testing, delivering complete electrical diagnostics for commercial PV systems. This new service verifies string integrity, insulation, voltage, current, and performance using advanced I-V curve tracing and Fill Factor analysis. Ideal for commissioning, troubleshooting, and maintenance, our testing supports safety, compliance, and ROI assurance. Combined with thermal imaging, we offer a powerful dual-inspection approach. Book today to ensure your solar array is operating safely, efficiently, and within international performance standards.
Level 3 Thermography Reporting Project – 3 Multi-Storey Residential Blocks
We supported a large thermal inspection project across three residential buildings by providing certified Level 3 thermographic reporting based on drone data collected by the client. Using a protocol we developed, they captured radiometric thermal images, which we analysed remotely to identify heat loss, glazing issues, and roof moisture indicators. This collaborative approach showcases how our clients can carry out surveys independently, while we deliver professional-grade thermographic interpretation and reporting — cost-effectively and without needing site access.
The Importance of Solar Panel Inspections in Spring
Spring and summer are peak months for solar energy production—ensure your panels are operating efficiently with a professional thermal imaging inspection. Compliance with IEC62446-3:2017 is essential for both commercial and domestic systems, helping to prevent faults, optimise performance, and maintain insurance coverage. Book your inspection today!
Drone Services Enquiry
Thermography|Inspections|Solar|Photogrammetry|Filming|Photography
Discover how drone technology can enhance your operations with a free quotation from our experts. Get a Free Quote or Make an Enquiry Today!
related posts
Trained and Certified in Aerial Thermography
Drone Media Imaging use trained and certified thermographers to deliver thermographic services and inspections across many domestic, industrial and commercial sectors throughout the UK. Whether it is solar photovoltaic panel inspection in accordance with IEC 62446-3:2017 and BS EN ISO 62446-1:2016 or fire detection and management in disasters zones or underground landfill fires, Drone Media Imaging can deploy across the UK quickly, efficiently and with the right experience.
Aerial Thermography Category 2 Thermography certification to category level 2 focuses on radiometric temperature measurement analysis and the benefits of obtaining precise temperature data from challenging environments for diagnosing and reporting purposes. Whether for qualitative evaluation or quantitative evaluation our report and diagnosis analysis provide you with answers following a non-destructive inspection format from the air via UAV drones equipped with the latest technology. Drone Media Imaging is a small but unique drone operations company specialising in airborne thermal imaging across the UK. Our certification and experience when paired with our CAA enhanced OSC permissions, means we are more than capable of performing any aerial thermal imaging job however challenging. As level 2 thermographers we dive into the fundamental principles of surface emissivity, reflected temperature correction, spatial and measurement resolutions, and as a result providing clients with accurate data reporting that can be trusted.
Aerial Thermal Imaging Infrared Cameras Thermal Imaging cameras capture the reflected radiation from a surface or heat source and convert the recorded temperatures to an image map for analysis. This unique worldview provides numerous advantageous and cost-effective non-destructive options for commercial and residential needs. Aerial thermal cameras of the highest quality provide non-contact temperature measurements in difficult to reach locations that cannot be observe from the ground. As is the case with all drone inspections, the hazards connected with operating at a height are minimised as is the potential of inflicting damage to the structure during the inspection procedure.
Case Study – Explosion at a Grain Store Port of Tilbury London Following an explosion at the Port of Tilbury London grain store in July 2020, Drone Media Imaging were hired to provide aerial thermal data support to emergency service gold commanders and the senior management for the grain store. Flying thermographic data collection missions, hourly, daily, and weekly for over 13 months from the initial explosion and subsequent silo fires, we provided important thermal data reports as the fire developed, enabling the fire management strategy to be accurately measured over time. Comprehensive reports, thermal imaging, RGB photography, and video pictures were used to provide the information essential to effectively manage the problem until the building was destroyed in 2020.
