IPI Infrared Cameras, Infrared Training and Infrared Products

Software should be one of the most important selection criteria for any infrared thermography system, yet most times it is overlooked or at best, an afterthought. The report (output) is the most important part of any infrared survey, and the software is the primary means of generating that report.

The most important thing to realize is that each camera can only be used with the software provided by it’s own manufacturer. You cannot simply open any infrared image with any software. Manufacturer’s specifically design their software to meet the needs of their target audience. That may be for professional thermographers, plant maintenance personnel, building inspectors, or research fellows and medical practitioners. Software designed for scientific research may have excellent analysis capabilities, but it’s reporting function for electrical distribution surveys may non existent. As such, trying to manage large volumes of data from switchboard surveys may be extremely time consuming and prohibitive with such software. Conversely, software designed for high volume data collection may be ineffective for mapping the surface areas of large surface material objects (like in the building industry). Software, like cameras varies greatly, and it choosing the appropriate software is just as important as the hardware.