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

## TL;DR

This paper introduces an open-source thermal infrared monitoring system for volcanoes and environmental areas, offering hardware and software solutions for reliable and low-cost thermal monitoring.

## Contribution

The paper presents a fully customizable, open-source thermal infrared monitoring network with hardware and software for automated data collection and analysis.

## Key findings

- The system was validated in southern Italy's active volcanic areas, showing high reliability in detecting thermal anomalies.
- ASIRA software successfully processes TIR imagery to extract surface temperature time series and estimate heat fluxes.
- The system supports continuous monitoring and distinguishes between geophysical processes and environmental changes.

## 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.