Here's an overhead shot, taken by police helicopter, of a car lot where a criminal suspect has fled. No person is visible.

The chopper's camera is infrared-equipped and switches to thermal. Still no suspect in sight, though we can see a dog.

Incredibly, within seconds the camera operator is able to figure out where the suspect is hiding: In this black Audi.

Here's a slightly longer shot, with the infrared turned on. The Audi appears just a shade brighter than the other cars.

As the helicopter circles, the camera operator is able to confirm it: See this sliver of white, atop the edge of the door?

That's enough of a heat signature to indicate someone is sitting inside the car. The police surrounded the car and were able to convince the suspect to come out, and he was taken into custody without incident.

The three-minute video of this incident is viewable here. It was awarded First Place in the Vision Awards, an annual event held by Teledyne FLIR, who manufactures the thermal imaging tech. "The Teledyne FLIR Vision Awards are presented to members of the airborne law enforcement community who have best demonstrated use of thermal imaging systems in carrying out their missions, whether pursuing suspects, search and rescue efforts, or saving lives."

They've posted a total of seven videos, including a highlight reel, here. Some are graphic so you should proceed with caution, depending on what you're comfortable seeing; there's a dog taking a suspect down and a hostage-taker accosting a woman at gunpoint, aside from your usual high-speed-chase hi-jinks.