Infrared thermal imaging as a collections management tool

As natural history collections often contain specimens that require quite different environmental conditions from one another it makes sense to try to understand the sometimes subtle differences in conditions provided within the storage and display areas concerned so that the specimens can be arranged accordingly to better suit their particular needs. Modern digital infrared thermal imaging technology is now highly portable and provides exactly the sort of detailed data required in a way that other environmental data logging equipment cannot and presents it in a highly visual format that is generally intuitively understood and easily analysed with proprietary software. However, there are many factors influencing the accuracy and interpretation of the data so training is required. Fortunately, the cost of equipment is falling. Uptake of the technology for collections management purposes in museums is in its infancy due to a lack of awareness of how the technology can be applied.