Search and rescue support · Thermal imaging
Thermal drone search for missing persons
If someone is missing, call 911 first.
Official search and rescue teams coordinate every search. Drone crews on this site support — never replace — law enforcement and emergency services. Once authorities are involved, a thermal drone pilot can add valuable extra coverage.
A thermal camera on a drone detects body heat from the air, letting a trained pilot scan fields, woods, creek beds and rough terrain far faster than searchers on foot — and it works in total darkness.
How drone crews help
- Cover large or hard-to-reach areas quickly, day or night
- Spot a person's heat signature through brush and tree cover
- Guide ground teams to the exact spot to check
- Re-search an area at night when heat signatures stand out most
How to find a pilot
Enter the search location on the map and you'll see thermal drone pilots sorted by distance. Contact the pilot directly — searching this directory is free, and pilots set their own terms. Many pilots volunteer or discount their time for searches coordinated with authorities.