Evaluation of Image Quality of Thermal Imagers used by the Fire Service

Published

February 27, 2009

Author(s)

Francine K. Amon, Andrew J. Lock

Abstract

This document reports on the test results of an evaluation of the image quality of thermal imaging cameras used by the fire service. The test methods used were consistent with the image quality test methods included in Draft National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1801 Standard on Thermal Imagers for the Fire Service. These tests measured the nonuniformity, spatial resolution, effective temperature range, and thermal sensitivity of fire service thermal imagers. Images used for these tests were collected using a high resolution visible camera focused on the thermal imager s display while the thermal imager viewed a variety of thermal targets. The laboratory test results were evaluated in terms of a multivariate model of human perception, which was based on tests conducted on firefighters viewing thermal images of representative scenes in which a fire hazard may be present.

Citation

Technical Note (NIST TN) - 1646

Report Number

1646

NIST Pub Series

Technical Note (NIST TN)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Download Paper

Local Download

Keywords

evaluation, image quality, thermal imager, fire service, nonuniformity, spatial resolution, effective temperature range, thermal sensitivity

Citation

Amon, F. and Lock, A. (2009), Evaluation of Image Quality of Thermal Imagers used by the Fire Service, Technical Note (NIST TN), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=903767 (Accessed October 10, 2025)