See also Aerial Equipment for more information

Heat Loss Map of your Borough, City or Site

An aerial infrared thermal imaging or thermographic survey can graphically illustrate the problems cities and industry face trying to cut costs and conserve energy.

Thermal imaging recordings over urban areas from an aircraft will provide measurements of heat emissions pouring into the atmosphere. Horton Levi uses military specification thermal imagers that produce high spatial and thermal resolution. Digital seamless thermal maps are then produced and geographically rectified for use in government or council GIS systems.

The thermal image to the right, which is one fifth of it's normal size, clearly illustrates how effective the technique is. A temperature palette example shown below is a guide to the temperatures.
 

During a survey we record actual temperatures at ground level and provide our clients with meaningful data. The colours or temperatures can therefore be related to poorly insulated, refurbished, and empty homes for example.

The thermal image below, taken over London from 3,000 feet, clearly shows sub-surface hot water pipes that feed an estate. Had there been a leak, a warm white 'plume' would be immediately evident. This type of information can also be useful for mapping the pipe layout when records have been lost.

An energy survey is undertaken not only to save energy but to cut down on pollution. Released emissions create Carbon Dioxide gas, a major contributor to the 'Green House Effect' which is blamed for global warming and climate changes.

Apart from overseas work, Horton Levi has recently thermally mapped the whole of London and boroughs, which are now on CD. Norwich, Salford, Trafford, Sandwell and Chester-le-Street to name a few major cities in the UK have also recently been surveyed.

The above image is the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead, London. We have thermal images of every hospital in London between Barnet and Lewisham within the M25 motorway.

Digital thermal maps are a mosaic of the aerial data which can be scaled exactly to an OS map as a raster layer for importation to your GIS. A thermal map will identify heat loss from homes, schools, hospitals, factories and office blocks. As a very economical option, and for non-GIS applications, street / post code and OS referenced images are provided on CD which can be displayed, magnified and printed from any simple PC software. Some authorities have opted to post this level of imagery on their websites for public viewing of their homes.

 HOME ENERGY CONSERVATION ACT (HECA)

Local Authorities in the UK have an obligation target of 30% increase in domestic energy efficiency by 2006. Aerial infrared thermal imaging provides valuable data to globally analyse areas of concern for HECA / LA21 activity.

Aerial thermal building heat loss data can also provide pictorial information of district heating systems and landfill sites.

The data can also be processed as a GIS layer which can also be used widely across all council staff form energy management to technical and architect departments.

Exhibitions

Horton Levi staff are possibly the longest established survey company in the UK and over the years we have assisted in numerous exhibitions supporting our clients and interfacing with the public.

We can also provide expertise and software for inclusion of aerial data to your web site for public access to heat loss data of their area. 

Links to useful information sites:

Government Global Warming Introduction, this site is specifically for use by schools

Energy Action Grants Agency energy efficiency grants

Energy Savings Trust  energy efficiency advice for small and medium business