An infrared false-color image, original grayscale values and a temperature array answer different questions. A display image supports observation, device values require format interpretation, and a temperature array also depends on units and measurement-model conditions. Similar appearance or higher bit depth does not establish equivalent data meaning.
Use each data type for its intended purpose
| Data object | Meaning | Checks before use |
|---|---|---|
| False-color display image | A viewable image produced by color mapping | Color mapping, display range, enhancement and overlays |
| Grayscale or original device values | Numerical values defined by the device format | Correction, linearization or temperature encoding |
| Temperature array with units | Temperature estimates from the device measurement model | Units, scale, parameters, invalid values and conditions |
Color changes are not automatically temperature changes
Automatic display-range adjustment or a different color mapping can change the displayed colors of the same scene. Red areas in separate screenshots are therefore insufficient for comparing temperatures. Normal color-channel values are not temperatures. The manufacturer's image-adjustment documentation distinguishes display adjustment from measurement parameters.
Higher bit depth still needs a conversion definition
A device may output detector readings, readings corrected by the manufacturer or temperature values encoded as numbers. Read the actual device format documentation to determine the scale, offset, units and values that indicate invalid data. A conversion formula for a different camera cannot be assumed to apply. Check emissivity, reflected temperature and their applicable conditions within the device's measurement workflow.
A JPEG extension does not determine the data layers
Some device-exported JPEG files contain a display image and additional radiometric information, while ordinary exports may retain only display content. The FLIR image-file documentation describes a specific file arrangement; it does not establish that every JPEG supports temperature measurement. Inspect the original file and manufacturer parsing results before deciding what data are available.
Preserve conversion records
Associate original files, device and firmware, parsing library, conversion parameters, output units and validity. Verify temperatures against agreed references and operating conditions. Temperature-measurement accuracy still requires separate reference tests, even if an image displays correctly or an array can be read. This article describes data organization and reports no device-adaptation or accuracy-acceptance results.
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