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From: larry@kitty.UUCP (Larry Lippman)
Newsgroups: sci.research,sci.electronics,sci.physics,sci.environment
Subject: Re: Infrared detection of wildlife
Summary: Use industrial thermographic imaging systems
Keywords: infrared,detection,research,elephant
Message-ID: <4204@kitty.UUCP>
Date: 27 Nov 90 04:29:12 GMT
References: <2492@cod.NOSC.MIL>
Organization: Recognition Research Corp., Clarence, NY
Lines: 57

In article <2492@cod.NOSC.MIL>, prinz@cod.NOSC.MIL (Robert A. Prinzivalli) writes:
> The problem is how to detect and count elephants in a dense rainforest.
>         One method that is the current hot topic of debate is whether or 
> not infrared detectors would be able to detect the presence of an elephants
> thermal emissions (at night?) throught a dense forest canopy.   Since there
> is no clear proof either way, we would like to conduct some tests to answer
> this question once and for all. 
>         We are considering two tests to be conducted at the San Diego Wild
> Animal Park.  The first test is simply to determine what the frequency of
> any thermal emissions might be.

	Assuming you have no offer of apparatus from the military :-), you
can utilize industrial thermographic imaging systems.  There are essentially
only two wavelength ranges for detectors: 2 to 6 microns, and 8 to 12 microns
(give or take a bit).  My off the cuff opinion is that you might be better
off with the long wavelength detector, but dual wavelength systems are also
available.  The short wavelength system will also function, however.

	Unless one uses external filters, industrial thermographic imaging
systems are broadband within their respective wavelength range.  You really
don't have to worry about "tuning" for a particular wavelength.

> Since this is not my area of expertise,
> I would appreciate it if someone out there could tell me what type of 
> instrument would be best suited for this purpose; a bolometer, a radiance
> spectrometer; a radiometer or what?

	You definitely want an infrared thermographic imaging system.
Typical manufacturers are AGA, Inframetrics, Hughes Aircraft Industrial
Products div., etc.

> Also, since the KWS and WCI have very
> little money to spend on this project, could you tell me where I might be
> able to rent or borrow (preferably borrow) such a device.  The second test
> would be conducted from a small aircraft with some portable instrument
> capable of detecting emissions of the type and frequency determined in 
> the first test.

	Almost all electric power utility companies use thermographic
imaging apparatus for inspection of transmission lines, switchgear,
transformers, etc. for hot spots and potential electrical faults.  Larger
utilities have systems which are mounted in helicopters or fixed wing
aircraft for inspection of major high voltage transmission lines.

	Your project sounds to me like it may have "PR appeal" to an
electric utility company.  I bet that with a careful approach and some
ingenuity, you could pursuade such a utility to provide the necessary
apparatus on loan - perhaps even including the aircraft.  With public
pressure resulting from high electric rates, fossil fuel emissions and
nuclear power issues, electric utilities need all the "good neighbor"
press that can find! :-)

	Good luck, and happy elephant hunting!

Larry Lippman @ Recognition Research Corp.  "Have you hugged your cat today?"
VOICE: 716/688-1231   {boulder, rutgers, watmath}!ub!kitty!larry
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