A Brief History of Thermal Cameras

Thermal Imaging Cameras (TICs) have just recently become affordable enough for mainstream use, but the technology has been used for more than two centuries. Here's a timeline of what's happened in the last 222 years.

John Hitch

Aug. 10, 2016

More and more contractors and engineers are finding out that having the ability to see the infrared spectrum by putting a thermal imaging camera in the palm of their hand saves time and money.

Getting a thermal device for your toolbox at home and/or work might be the smartest buy you make all year.

Take a look at this slideshow to learn how thermal cameras came to be and just a few of the things they can do.

About the Author

John Hitch

Editor, Fleet Maintenance

John Hitch, based out of Cleveland, Ohio, is the editor of Fleet Maintenance, a B2B magazine that addresses the service needs for all commercial vehicle makes and models (Classes 1-8), ranging from shop management strategies to the latest tools to enhance uptime.

He previously wrote about equipment and fleet operations and management for FleetOwner, and prior to that, manufacturing and advanced technology for IndustryWeek and New Equipment Digest. He is an award-winning journalist and former sonar technician aboard a nuclear-powered submarine where he served honorably aboard the fast-attack submarine USS Oklahoma City (SSN-723).