What is the term used for a color-coded picture that displays variations in temperature using infrared radiation?

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A thermogram is a specific type of image that utilizes infrared radiation to visualize temperature variations. It captures the infrared energy emitted by objects and translates those energy levels into colors, allowing for an easily interpretable representation of temperature differences. This technique is particularly useful in various applications, including medical diagnostics, building inspections, and environmental monitoring, where identifying heat patterns is crucial.

In contrast, radiograms typically refer to images produced by capturing radiation in other forms, such as X-rays. Heatmaps generally represent data where color indicates different values, but they are not exclusively focused on thermal imaging. Infrared images are a broader category that may not necessarily include the color coding or interpretation of temperature variations as thermograms do. Thus, the specific use of thermograms to depict temperature differences through color is what makes this term the most accurate choice.