"the way ppl are getting away with outdoor grows in my area is tomatoes... they let off the same heat signature as a
marijuana plant does"
hmmm so which is it? you have experience searching out marijuana grows within tomato crops? they have the same heat signature huh?
You're confused, FLIR detects infrared wavelengths, and while Infrared and indeed all light is a form of heat/energy, FLIR detect the reflection of specific wavelengths as it bounces off an object. Thermal imaging will create a picture based on actual temperatures and differences between objects. The picture can be either low def black and white or in vivid color by assigning a color to each fraction of a temperature difference (like in the Predator movie). Thermal can see through objects = illegal without a warrant. FLIR requires direct line of sight (aka plain sight) and measures reflected wavelengths, NOT the actual object being seen. When FLIR is used, the picture can be color enhanced and filtered, and sure it looks like whatever is glowing "hot" on screen, but you cannot see that "hot" object through a cold object using FLIR, you will see the reflection off of whatever the FLIR sees first... even glass, you can stand behind a pane of glass and you cannot be seen, the glass will appear a uniform opaque texture. You cannot use FLIR through thick cloud cover or fog, or in complete absolute darkness without some source of ambient light present (not specifically visible light, ambient IR from stars can be enough, but most have a strong IR emitter mounted in the same unit, ala your night vision handycam)
FLIR and Thermal are different, but are available combined, along with other techs to make really fuckin scary powerful stuff... not necessarily legal for LE to use against civilians without a warrant.
come on Im having fun now, what else?
... I just didn't want you to expect very many original posters to respond. Except for doublejj maybe.