Getting trapped by a sudden and severe snow storm is every driver's nightmare, leaving cars and their occupants are at the mercy of the elements.
Cato Annweiler, sales manager for marine electronics manufacturer Raymarine Norge, was driving to see a customer on the west coast of Norway at Aurlands when the mountain pass he was on was suddenly hit by a snow storm. The blizzard reduced the visibility to less than two metres, making it impossible for him to continue driving. Unable even to see the bamboo snow poles at the side of the road used to guide snow ploughs, Cato realised he was likely to be trapped on the pass. However, he was carrying one of the first Raymarine TH32 handheld thermal imaging cameras available in the country, which he was on his way to demonstrate to a customer.
Switching it on, Cato stuck his head out of the car window looking through the battery operated monocular. Through the blizzard of falling snow, the thermal imaging vision was able to detect the bamboo poles along the roadside. Driving slowly and carefully from pole to pole, Cato came across two other trapped cars which then followed him eventually reaching the safety of the Aurland Tunnel.
"The thermal imaging technology designed for use at sea really enabled me to see in near impossible conditions on land," said Cato. "It certainly demonstrated the safety benefits of thermal imaging cameras. We have had enquiries from other land-based users including Search And Rescue teams, the Rede-Kors (Red Cross), and even reindeer herders."
Designed as an aid for mariners, Raymarine's TH range of portable thermal night vision cameras enables users to see even in total darkness. Using proven technology employed in professional and military night vision systems, the new compact handheld TH series produces images from heat, enabling marine users to spot people or objects in the water, as well as boats or people approaching them at night.
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