Thermal imaging cameras can perform a wide rang of tasks on NZ’s farms.
While New Zealand is well known for its agriculture, with much of the economy relying on this sector, pests and other security threats can pose a significant risk to farms.
This can potentially lead to crop and livestock loss, damage to property and other associated costs – but, fortunately, advances in technology have provided farmers with a range of tools and techniques to better protect their farms from such threats.
One gaining popularity in recent years is thermal imaging cameras. They use infrared technology to detect and visualise temperature differences in an environment, proving effective for pest control and security purposes.
Advanced Optics, back at Fieldays again this year with a range of thermal imaging cameras on show, says this allows farmers to detect the presence of pests and other intruders that might otherwise be difficult to see under the cover of darkness. For example, these cameras can detect the body heat of rodents, rabbits, deer, and other pests hiding in hardto-reach places, making it easier for farmers to locate and eliminate them.
Security threats
In addition to pest control, thermal imaging cameras are also useful for detecting potential security threats on farms. They can be used to monitor fences and other barriers for signs of damage or intrusion, allowing farmers to quickly identify and respond to any security breaches.
They can also help deter potential intruders by providing a visible security presence that is difficult to evade.
One of the key advantages of thermal imaging cameras is their ability to operate in a variety of weather conditions. Unlike traditional security cameras, which can be ineffective in fog, rain, or other adverse weather conditions, thermal imaging cameras can detect body heat regardless of the environment – particularly useful for farms in mountainous or coastal regions.
Another advantage is the cameras’ ability to cover large areas quickly and efficiently. This can be particularly useful for larger farms, where monitoring every corner of the property may be difficult or impractical. By using thermal imaging cameras, farmers can quickly scan large areas and identify potential threats without the need for extensive physical inspections.
There are some limits to thermal imaging cameras, as they may not be able to detect pests or intruders not generating significant amounts of heat, such as certain types of insects or small rodents. They may not be effective in areas with a lot of background heat, such as near machinery.
But they remain a valuable tool and, by investing in this technology, farmers can improve their ability to detect and respond to potential threats.
Advanced Optics will have a full range of Pulsar thermal and night vision optics for Fieldays visitors to try out at site number C16 and they’ll also be able to see them in action in a night vision tunnel.