Thermal imaging or thermography, with help from a thermal camera, detects heat patterns or temperature changes in objects. These changes allow the user of the infrared camera to discover problems prior to costly downtime. Thermal imaging can also be used to monitor developing problems, so maintenance can be scheduled during a planned downtime or when budget is available.
The thermal imaging camera is often referred to as the first defence in a preventative or predictive maintenance, programmes and building restoration or remediation projects.