Thermal Infrared Remote Sensing

Provide a brief description of why the following features appear as they do in this thermal infrared image:

Roads: Roads appear lighter due to their radiant temperatures and heat capacity. Road material absorbs more heat and remains warm through the night.

Natural and man-made vegetation: Vegetation appearance will differ depending on cover ( i.e. grass vs. sand) and moisture content of the soil (i.e. watering differences among neighbors and watering amounts in the front yard vs. backyard). The shade differences in the image could be a combination of both.

Sidewalks and Patios: The heating effects of patios and sidewalks should be similar to roads. Variations will be caused by surface types and materials.

Storage sheds in backyards: Sheds appear dark because of their low radiant temperatures. They lack an active or reflective heat source.

Automobiles: Cars will resemble sheds, except if the engine is running (or had been running prior to the image). Unlike sheds, cars do have a a heat source. The heat emitted from the engine will appear lighter.

Bright spots on many of the roofs: Vents on the rooftops will appear lighter than the surrounding roof, due to their higher radiant temperatures. This could be caused by their reflective material, but more likely, their heat source.