An important milestone in the advancement of this technology was the invention of uncooled infrared detectors, which enabled cheaper and easier to maintain thermal imaging products to make their way to the general market for use in applications including security surveillance, forest fire prevention, and power plant monitoring.

Leveraging its experience in camera image analysis and intelligent algorithms, Dahua Technology has developed thermal imaging devices with innovative functions that balance visible light with infrared, enabling the ability to effectively monitor an area under all lighting conditions. In addition, these functions include advanced capabilities such as intelligent temperature measurement, which further extends the scope of surveillance applications such as in detecting forest fires or quickly checking for passengers with high fevers at international airports and border and property security.

In terms of border security, now, instead of a number of patrols working alone outside over a large area, a small team of workers can manage the border from a command centre, which features advanced automated functions. The centre is outfitted with an e-map, which shows the location and current sight line of each camera, allowing border workers to assess surveillance coverage in real-time. When a camera detects someone entering a restricted area, it will automatically trigger an alarm while continuing to track the target. Staff can then alert the intruder and warn them with sirens. If needed, a team can then be quickly dispatched to confront the intruder with help from the command center. In addition, intelligent route patrol allows operators to configure cameras to follow a set patrol route according to requirements and the terrain, decreasing the need for manual control.

Other than the border inspection, Dahua Thermal Cameras can also be applied for forest fire prevention, substation inspection amongst other applications.