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Preface

Thermography has become one of the most widely used nondestructive testing (NDT) methods across industries, including electrical maintenance, mechanical systems, building diagnostics, energy efficiency, and infrastructure inspection. As the field continues to evolve, so too must the way thermography is taught, particularly at the foundational Level I stage, where proper habits, discipline, and professional boundaries are established.

This textbook was developed to provide a comprehensive, ASNT CP-105–aligned Thermography Level I curriculum that reflects both traditional inspection practices and modern field realities. In addition to covering core infrared theory, heat transfer, camera operation, inspection techniques, safety, and documentation, this book uniquely integrates drone-based thermography as a legitimate inspection platform within the Level I scope.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are now routinely used for roof inspections, solar photovoltaic surveys, building envelope assessments, and infrastructure screening. Despite this widespread adoption, very few thermography texts address aerial data acquisition in a structured, standards-aligned manner, especially at Level I. This textbook fills that gap by treating drone thermography as an application context, not a separate certification, while strictly adhering to American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) role boundaries and professional practice expectations.

A key emphasis throughout this book is that data quality is determined at capture, not in software. Concepts such as Focus, Range, and Distance (FoRD), environmental influences, solar loading, flat-field correction, and quality control are reinforced repeatedly to ensure students develop sound inspection habits early in their training. Supplemental materials, including hands-on lab work with FLIR Thermal Studio, provide students with practical exposure to professional workflows without crossing into interpretation or diagnostic decision-making.

This text is intended for:

· Students enrolled in Thermography Level I training programs

· Apprentices and workforce trainees completing Related Supplemental Instruction (RSI)

· Community college and university technical programs

· Industry training providers seeking CP-105 alignment

· Professionals preparing for ASNT Level I certification

By combining foundational thermography education with modern inspection platforms and rigorous professional boundaries, this book prepares students not only to meet certification requirements but also to operate safely, ethically, and effectively in real-world inspection environments.

Acknowledgments

This textbook reflects the collective knowledge and practices of the thermography, nondestructive testing, and unmanned systems communities.

The author acknowledges the contributions of:

· The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) for establishing the standards and training frameworks that guide professional thermographic practice.

· Industry professionals, educators, and technicians whose real-world experience continues to shape best practices in infrared inspection.

· Software and equipment manufacturers whose tools support modern thermography workflows, including thermal imaging systems and analysis platforms.

· Academic institutions and workforce partners who are committed to advancing technical education, applied learning, and ethical professional practice.

Special recognition is extended to the students and trainees whose questions, fieldwork, and curiosity helped inform the clarity, structure, and practical emphasis of this book.

Any errors or omissions remain the responsibility of the author.

Disclaimer

This textbook is intended for educational and training purposes only.

The content of this book is designed to align with ASNT CP-105 Thermography Level I training requirements and to support formal instruction, hands-on training, and practical assessment. Completion of coursework using this textbook does not, by itself, grant certification or authorization to perform thermographic inspections.

Thermography Level I personnel are limited to:

· Equipment setup and verification

· Safe and compliant data acquisition

· Recognition and documentation of thermal patterns

· Quality control and data handling

Interpretation of thermographic data, severity classification, root-cause analysis, repair recommendations, and final reporting decisions are the responsibility of Thermography Level II or Level III personnel, as defined by applicable standards and employer certification programs.

Drone operations referenced in this textbook must be conducted in compliance with all applicable aviation regulations and under the authority of a properly designated Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC). This book does not constitute flight training or regulatory authorization.

The author and publisher assume no liability for the use or misuse of the information contained herein. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable safety standards, regulations, and organizational procedures.