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Thermal imaging for missing person searches

Thermal support means auxiliary heat hints requiring operator verification, not reliable automatic person identification. Thermal imagery shows heat contrast, not an object’s identity.

Footage and mode selection

Look for human accepts browser-readable thermal images and video. Thermal mode may be selected from a DJI _T filename or a typical thermal resolution; it can also be set manually for a file or live feed. Automatic selection is not proof that the data format is correct. Inspect the preview before analysis.

A heat blob is not a person

Warm rocks, animals, vehicles and infrastructure can produce strong contrast. Auxiliary heat hints have separate rankings and review statuses, remain separate from person detections and require operator assessment. Tests so far showed missed people and false alarms; they do not establish field effectiveness. No hints do not mean no person.

Limits of night imagery

Vegetation and obstacles can conceal a person in thermal imagery too. Contrast varies with weather, surfaces and their heating history. Look for human is not a body-temperature measurement or medical assessment tool. Check sensor palette and exposure, and compare the visible camera when conditions permit.

Recording and handover

Keep the original file and telemetry. Record your assessment in a note and explain whether reported coordinates identify the drone or an estimated person position. Footage is processed locally. Agree the next verification step with the coordinator; a thermal signature is not automatic confirmation.

Prepare your device for a search

Create an operator account. Access requires administrator approval. Test your equipment and offline model before deployment.

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USD 370 per device / year