Building Diagnostics (BD)

Building Diagnostic (BD) cameras are calibrated at lower temperature levels to provide higher accuracy and sensitivity in the desired measurement range. Because BD cameras are used for finding anomalies in construction (due to temperature differences) rather than actual temperatures, resolution and thermal sensitivity becomes some of the most important features.

Sensitivity is the cameras ability to discriminate between two different temperatures. Higher sensitivity results in thermal images that are better defined and easier to understand.

Resolution is similar to a digital cameras mega-pixel count. Greater resolution (240 x 180 versus 160 x 120) allows the user to gain more radiometric data or points of temperature over a larger area. For a thermographer, this means you can work further away from your test subject without loosing valuable information. It also means when working at the same distance you get better detail and more data. When doing BD work resolution is of particular concern because the thermographer is often constrained in working distance simply by construction, 2nd or 3rd stories, vaulted ceilings or similar obstacles.