“Thermal imaging (via infrared cameras) detects infrared energy (heat) and converts it into an electronic signal, which is then processed to produce a thermal image on a video monitor and perform temperature calculations.” (Carton & Roebroecks, 2013). Invented in 1929, “Hungarian physicist Kálmán Tihanyi built the first prototypes for an infrared sensitive camera (also called a night vision camera) that would be used in remote guided aircraft for the British Air Ministry and later the Italian Navy” (Wikipedia n.d.). This early invention would later become a paradigm that would save lives as demonstrated in November 2013 with the flight of the unmanned Global Hawk Block 30 using infrared camera technology to aid in the relief efforts following the devastating Typhoon Haiyan. Originally based on a technology developed for military purposes, infrared cameras over the last 30 years, have experienced a surge in popularity in more [caption id="attachment_5241" align="alignright" width="331"]Image from a Thermal Camera Photo By Passivhaus Institut [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)], via Wikimedia Commons[/caption]civilian/commercial markets not only because of the increased capabilities and benefits of using this type of camera but more specifically because of their decreasing prices making them more affordable than ever for the everyday business owner. Medical science field applications use thermography to reclaim the lives of millions of people thanks to its vast potential of uses and its increasing availability in different shapes and sizes.  With the use of this equipment and without radiation or any harmful side effects, early stages of cancer in men and women are being detected faster than ever before, enabling medical professionals to implement aggressive treatments sooner rather than later. Thermography, when used in veterinarian applications, also rescue lives of animals by assisting in the detection of the sources of pain in our furry friends. [caption id="attachment_5243" align="alignleft" width="323"]Infrared Image of Snake Photo By Arno / Coen [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC-BY-SA-2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5-2.0-1.0)], via Wikimedia Commons[/caption]Building inspectors in the construction industry use infrared cameras in order to detect defects in electrical systems in structures without contact, by identifying overloaded components from images thus preventing fires or other structural damage due to electrical issues. HVAC systems are assessed in order to gather photographic evidence of air leaks in structures as well as moisture levels preventing mold and other harmful contaminants and from a more personal standpoint, the safety and comfort of our homes and offices reap the benefits of these cameras by ultimately cutting down on heating and cooling costs. imaging cameras was in the detection of the Boston terrorist, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev (YouTube). Using thermal imaging cameras mounted to a Massachusetts State helicopter, he was discovered hiding in a boat under a tarp.  This infrared thermal imaging camera uses a mid-wavelength IR imager that can detect wavelengths on the infrared spectrum in the 3.0-5.0 microns range, however, there are also short-wavelength IR cameras (1.0-3.0 microns) and Long-Wavelength Infrared cameras (LWIR, 8.0-13.0 microns) and Very Long-Wavelength Infrared (VLWIR, 12.0-30 microns). No matter what the reason, the advantages of using infrared cameras in non-military applications is increasing at an exponential rate due to the increased availability and increasing affordability of these thermal imagers. This technology has come a long way since the early 20th century and whether you are in the business of saving lives or assisting with the building of the world’s infrastructure, the benefits of this camera type are virtually endless for everyone who wants to use one. References FunkensteinJr (2013, April 23). FLIR video of Boston bomber hiding in boat (w/ audio). Retrieved from  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56JLiHFic9I In test reference (YouTube) Carton E.P., & Roebroecks G.H.J.J. (2013) Thermal Imaging During Ballistic Testing of Armour Materials. 27th International Symposium on Ballistics Freiburg Germany April 22-26, 2013. In text reference (Carton & Roebroecks, 2013) Thermographic Camera ( n.d.). In  Wikipedia. Retrieved January 25, 2014 from, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermographic_camera#cite_note-7 In text reference (Wikipedia, n.d.)