Item: Infrared Imagery Visual Aids for Snow Science Education
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Title: Infrared Imagery Visual Aids for Snow Science Education
Proceedings: Proceedings, 2012 International Snow Science Workshop, Anchorage, Alaska
Authors:
- Paul Brusseau [ Anchorage, Alaska ]
- Eeva Latosuo [ Alaska Pacific University, Anchorage, Alaska ]
Date: 2012
Abstract: Thermography or infrared imaging, has emerged as a method by which to study snow. Two independent articles were presented at ISSW 2010 as to its suitability. It is possible to make striking images that are saturated with temperature data. Every pixel has an associated temperature measurement. Images can be used in visual aids that explain changes in snowpack. During winter 2010/2011, a Flir P660 camera was used to capture thermal images of snow study walls. Features of this camera that are important to making the best thermal images are high resolution (640 x 480 pixels), a view finder that allows the thermographer to achieve good focus in a high glare environment and robust software for enhancing images and extracting data. Educational illustrations that emphasize temperature differences of snow are developed from a high quality thermal image by choosing a color palette that suits the image, defining regions of interest within the image and then extracting and graphing the temperature data from that region. The Flir P660 has helped us to capture useful images. The visual aids based on thermal images are valuable for teaching some concepts of snow metamorphism. We present examples of these teaching aids while continuing to build a portfolio of images for use in snow science education.
Object ID: issw-2012-786-787.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): unknown
Keywords: infrared imaging, thermography, visual aid, snow
Page Number(s): 786-787
Subjects: infrared photography snow metamorphism
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