Thermal Imaging & Infrared Technology Flashcards

What is 'thermal bridging' and why is it relevant to paranormal investigations?

Answer: A construction phenomenon where heat conducts through structural elements, creating temperature patterns on walls that can be mistaken for anomalies

Thermal bridging occurs when structural components like studs or beams conduct heat differently than the surrounding insulation, producing visible stripe patterns on thermal images that can be misidentified as paranormal shapes.

A full-body apparition appears on thermal video but disappears when the investigator uses a standard flashlight to view the area. This most likely indicates:

Answer: The thermal 'apparition' was a reflection of body heat from another surface that resolved differently in visible light

Thermal reflections from mirrors, polished floors, or other surfaces can create convincing phantom shapes that do not correspond to any actual presence in the scene.

Which of the following best describes the Instantaneous Field of View (IFOV) of a thermal camera?

Answer: The angular size of a single detector pixel, determining the smallest object that can be resolved at a given distance

IFOV determines how small a target can be and still be distinguished as a separate object at a given distance; a narrower IFOV means finer detail and better anomaly isolation.

Why should investigators avoid touching walls or surfaces before performing a thermal sweep?

Answer: Skin contact transfers body heat to surfaces, creating artificial warm spots that could be mistaken for anomalies

The human hand operates near 37°C and transfers heat through conduction; a handprint can remain visible on a thermal camera for several minutes, potentially misleading investigators.

What is the significance of recording a 'thermal baseline walk-through' at the start of an investigation?

Answer: It establishes which areas have natural temperature variations so later anomalies can be compared against expected conditions

A baseline walk-through maps the site's normal thermal landscape, allowing investigators to distinguish between pre-existing temperature patterns and any changes that occur during the investigation.

Which of the following is a critical limitation investigators must acknowledge when using consumer-grade thermal cameras?

Answer: They typically have lower sensor resolution and accuracy than professional-grade units, making subtle anomalies harder to confirm

Consumer thermal cameras often have 80×60 or 160×120 pixel sensors with ±3°C accuracy, making small thermal variations difficult to resolve and easier to misinterpret compared to professional-grade alternatives.

During a CPI investigation, an investigator captures a thermal image showing a warm circular shape on the floor. The most methodologically sound next step is:

Answer: Photograph the area with a full-spectrum camera and verify there is no known heat source such as a floor vent, pipe, or recently placed object beneath or near the spot

Methodical investigators cross-reference unexplained thermal readings with full-spectrum imaging and a physical inspection for mundane heat sources before drawing any conclusions.