Online user training for the Matis thermal imaging camera
Prewise and The Finnish Defence Forces Education Development Centre (PvKK) have collaborated to produce an e-training course on the principles of operating and using the Matis thermal imaging camera. The course can be accessed via the Defence Forces training portal.
The Defence Forces apply the Matis thermal imaging camera in both day- and night-time monitoring, observation and identification. The camera is available for use by the infantry, artillery and air defence forces.
The objective of the project was to produce an introductory course, consisting of a general presentation of the Matis thermal imaging camera and basic user training course. A content section was also produced for permanent staff, which includes more in-depth support material. The implementation particularly concentrated on an animation illustrating the operating principles and the use of the thermal camera.
Prewise was responsible for the visualization of the training material as well as the pedagogical concept and the production of the CD. Captain Tapio Ahonen, Development Officer of the Research and Development Department of the Armoured Brigade Training School, acted as expert advisor for the content of the training material.
- I found that the most challenging aspect of the project was picking out from amongst the wealth of material the most descriptive images of the thermal infrared area (TIR). The most interesting part for me was the involvement in producing material for the training portal, says Mr Ahonen.
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The picture depicts a photo of a car taken with a thermal imaging camera. The warm parts of the car are clearly visible as lighter elements. Because the tires are not warm, the car has not recently been in motion. |
Digital training solution brings clear benefits
The e-training course on the Matis thermal imaging camera was implemented in the Finnish Defence Forces’ training portal. It will also be stored in HTML format on CD-ROM for further distribution. The training material on CD is intended for use by training personnel and it contains more video material than the network version.
- For us, one of the greatest benefits of the training material is its versatility and flexibility. In addition, the TIR material is now in an easily updated format - the TIR area develops particularly rapidly. It is easy for the training personnel to pick out the segments which apply to the skills and experience of the target group, says Mr Ahonen.
- The collaboration with Prewise was carried out in the right spirit, with the parties sharing the objective of producing the best possible training material.
Text: Jaana Raaska