Thermal Imaging
However in general, the following thermal where line-of-sight is at an optimum, integrated in the same fashion as their
imaging types are preferable at sites with such as on air traffic control towers, long-range counterparts.
the following site conditions: easily providing surveillance coverage Thermal imaging cameras can be easily
for the majority of the AOA, SIDA and interfaced with existing and new CCTV
Condition Detector Type
airport perimeter fence boundaries. video command, control, communications,
These systems can be readily slaved to recording and display equipment for
alarms from other sensors, providing monitoring at centralized and distributed
High Humidity
LWIR(<2.5km)
MWIR(>2.5km)
authorities and air traffic controllers alike control facilities providing an effective and
with continual day and night sensor efficient surveillance of airport areas.
assessment situational awareness
Fog LWIR
covering most of the airport and extending Airport Thermal Imaging
outside the airport perimeter. The pan-tilt Solution Advantage
Arctic/Subarctic LWIR
would quickly respond to alarm or
command allowing automatic and quick The number of thermal imaging cameras
azimuth and elevation position changes to needed to provide airport wide
Average Climate MWIR point thermal imaging cameras and surveillance would be considerably less
optional long range visible cameras to the than the need for conventional cameras
alarm location. and with markedly improved, clearer
Smoke/Aerosols LWIR
In non-alarm conditions the system images no matter what lighting is
programmable auto scan can auto - available and regardless of visibility. As a
High Temp. Targets MWIR
matically position the thermal imager and result, the total cost of ownership for an
optional visible camera in a set scanning airport thermal imaging wide-area
pattern. Aircraft, automobiles, people, surveillance system is far lower than
Target @ Long Range MWIR
animals and foreign objects can be conventional CCTV systems.
detected, identified and recognised at Beyond providing improved and
great distances, day or night, through most enhanced airport security and safety,
smoke, smog and fog. airport operations also find that thermal
Airport Thermal Imaging The overall system configuration could imaging provides enhanced operations
Solutions be augmented with uncooled LWIR short and situational awareness of snow-
range thermal imaging camera systems plowing operations, airfield lighting
A few cooled MWIR long range thermal and would be situated in locations inspections, runway and taxiway foreign
imaging camera systems, with providing surveillance coverage in areas object detection, runway incursions,
integrated programmable pan-tilt blocked from view from long range MWIR emergency response, bird and hazard
positioners, can be situated at locations systems. These systems can also be readily monitoring, environmental monitoring,
and contractor escort operations.
Conclusion
Airports are critical to a region’s trade and
transportation capabilities. Providing safe
and efficient travel is of the highest priority
and enhances the well being of everyone
who lives, works and travels. It is important
to continue to evaluate and improve airport
operations systems. The application of
commercial thermal imaging technology at
airports offers dramatic improvements to
security, safety, and general surveillance
operations while reducing overall
operational costs.
The author is a Senior Business
Development Director at AxSys
Technologies. He has over twenty years’
experience in infrared imaging
technology as a product marketing
executive, design engineer and end user
including work with the Port Authority of
Thermal imaging is used by the military to identify enemy manoeuvres New York and New Jersey as well as the
and has a place in the airport defense arsenal (Credit: Thales) U.S. State Department.
18 Register now for FREE instant access to ASI online by visiting www.asi-mag.com April 2009 Aviationsecurityinternational
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