I encountered a worrisome trend from some thermographers from some of the forums and in person. The issue is generated from the DJI XT product. So incidentally, when DJI introduced the XT it was marketed as having the ability to do thermal temperature measurement knows as Radiometrics, which is incorrect. A few months later DJI released an difference variant to the XT known as the Performance XT or aka XTR. This particular product has a Radiometric core build into the unit, thus making it possible to do absolute Radiometric measurements.

The fear is that unless it was specifically noted, current XT owners are convinced that their unit has Radiometric feature. Especially, when data values are registered from the DJI XT App.

This is troubling due to thermographers providing inaccurate data for their report. The photo above shows how easily confusing the GUI interface the DJI XT Pro App has and uninformed sUAS operators don't know any better. 

So a word of caution for all DJI XT owners, be aware of the accuracy of your data you are providing in your reports and for the XTR owners, if you have clients that require accurate temperature measurements please get certified. There are a lot more into it than just reading temperatures off the screen.

As we begin 2018, I already have been seeing a stronger and defined role for sUAS Thermography. By no means thermography is new to sUAS, gone were the days of strapping a Tau2 with a power module, BNC connector and more, to provide some of the early utilization of thermal use on a mid-lifter such as a  Hexacopter.

Today, companies like FLIR has brought forth some innovative technology and products that allows the average sUAS operator to enter in the science of thermography. From the FLIR Duo to the FLIR VUE, this technology and application of a thermal mounted sUAS has opened up new possibilities to provide a more accurate and safer way to help industries do better.