Infrared Camera Tech to Help in Search and Rescue Missions

Infrared Camera Tech to Help in Search and Rescue Missions

infrared camera

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Infrared camera technology will help law enforcement and other agencies with search and rescue missions. Infrared cameras track heat. For example, if someone is lost or hiding in the woods, infrared cameras could still spot them. While a regular aerial shot would be hard to see a person through the thick foliage, infrared cameras can pinpoint a near exact location by tracking the heat source.

Bengal Solutions, which is part of the Idaho State University College of Business, is working to develop a business plan to market the technology.

According to localnews8.com, the technology was originally developed to monitor wildlife and was started at ISU’s biological sciences division. The technology was then expanded to help wildfires. It tracks the hot spots to better help crews fight fires.

Dr. Gifford Gillette, wildlife scientist at the wildlife management institute, said they approached Bengal Solutions for help on the business end of the technology. That’s when Bengal Solutions suggested the expansion to be able to help law enforcement, search and rescue teams, even border patrol efforts.

Dan Cravens, director of Bengal Solutions, believes using the technology to help find or track people could benefit other agencies, such as law enforcement. He said right now, those agencies have a demand for applications and new technology.

The infrared cameras track the heat source, cutting through trees or other obstructed view points. It allows animals, or people, to be found from high up even in areas that would otherwise be difficult. The cameras have the ability to zoom in and out, go between infrared view and HD views, and send a live feed from the air to whoever needs it on the ground.

If law enforcement is tracking a fugitive through the woods, infrared could help locate and track that person. If someone, or even a group, gets lost in the woods or backcountry, infrared could help spot them and potentially save a life. By doing this, it could help save on resources that law enforcement and search and rescue crews have to rely on.

The university said although infrared technology is nothing new, it continues to grow, develop and change. By working with Bengal Solutions, it also aims to make a business plan that makes the technology affordable.