Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Detection of leaks in buried rural water pipelines using thermal infrared images

May 1, 1985

Leakage is a major problem in many pipelines. Minor leaks called 'seeper leaks', which generally range from 2 to 10 m3 per day, are common and are difficult to detect using conventional ground surveys. The objective of this research was to determine whether airborne thermal-infrared remote sensing could be used in detecting leaks and monitoring rural water pipelines. This study indicates that such leaks can be detected using low-altitude 8.7- to 11.5. micrometer wavelength, thermal infrared images collected under proper conditions.

Publication Year 1985
Title Detection of leaks in buried rural water pipelines using thermal infrared images
Authors Jeffery C. Eidenshink
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing
Index ID 70141862
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center