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Development of a Thermal Infrared Network for Volcanic and Environmental Monitoring: Hardware Design and Data Analysis Software Code

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Development of a Thermal Infrared Network for Volcanic and Environmental Monitoring: Hardware Design and Data Analysis Software Code
Authors: Fabio Sansivero, Giuseppe Vilardo, Ciro Buonocunto
Source: Sensors, Vol 25, Iss 13, p 4141 (2025)
Publisher Information: MDPI AG, 2025.
Publication Year: 2025
Collection: LCC:Chemical technology
Subject Terms: thermal infrared, image processing, temperature time series, radiative heat flux, monitoring network, scientific software development, Chemical technology, TP1-1185
Description: Thermal infrared (TIR) ground observations are a well-established method for investigating surface temperature variations in thermally anomalous areas. However, commercially available technical solutions are currently limited, often offering proprietary products with minimal customization options for establishing a permanent TIR monitoring network. This work presents the comprehensive development of a thermal infrared monitoring network, detailing everything from the hardware schematics of the remote monitoring station (RMS) to the code for the final data processing software. The procedures implemented in the RMS for managing TIR sensor operations, acquiring environmental data, and transmitting data remotely are thoroughly discussed, along with the technical solutions adopted. The processing of TIR imagery is carried out using ASIRA (Automated System of InfraRed Analysis), a free software package, now developed for GNU Octave. ASIRA performs quality filtering and co-registration, and applies various seasonal correction methodologies to extract time series of deseasoned surface temperatures, estimate heat fluxes, and track variations in thermally anomalous areas. Processed outputs include binary, Excel, and CSV formats, with interactive HTML plots for visualization. The system’s effectiveness has been validated in active volcanic areas of southern Italy, demonstrating high reliability in detecting anomalous thermal behavior and distinguishing endogenous geophysical processes. The aim of this work is to enable readers to easily replicate and deploy this open-source, low-cost system for the continuous, automated thermal monitoring of active volcanic and geothermal areas and environmental pollution, thereby supporting hazard assessment and scientific research.
Document Type: article
File Description: electronic resource
Language: English
ISSN: 1424-8220
Relation: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/13/4141; https://doaj.org/toc/1424-8220
DOI: 10.3390/s25134141
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/2a43ff36badc4c868228984ddb47c384
Accession Number: edsdoj.2a43ff36badc4c868228984ddb47c384
Database: Directory of Open Access Journals
Description
Abstract:Thermal infrared (TIR) ground observations are a well-established method for investigating surface temperature variations in thermally anomalous areas. However, commercially available technical solutions are currently limited, often offering proprietary products with minimal customization options for establishing a permanent TIR monitoring network. This work presents the comprehensive development of a thermal infrared monitoring network, detailing everything from the hardware schematics of the remote monitoring station (RMS) to the code for the final data processing software. The procedures implemented in the RMS for managing TIR sensor operations, acquiring environmental data, and transmitting data remotely are thoroughly discussed, along with the technical solutions adopted. The processing of TIR imagery is carried out using ASIRA (Automated System of InfraRed Analysis), a free software package, now developed for GNU Octave. ASIRA performs quality filtering and co-registration, and applies various seasonal correction methodologies to extract time series of deseasoned surface temperatures, estimate heat fluxes, and track variations in thermally anomalous areas. Processed outputs include binary, Excel, and CSV formats, with interactive HTML plots for visualization. The system’s effectiveness has been validated in active volcanic areas of southern Italy, demonstrating high reliability in detecting anomalous thermal behavior and distinguishing endogenous geophysical processes. The aim of this work is to enable readers to easily replicate and deploy this open-source, low-cost system for the continuous, automated thermal monitoring of active volcanic and geothermal areas and environmental pollution, thereby supporting hazard assessment and scientific research.
ISSN:14248220
DOI:10.3390/s25134141