Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand - 8 May 2026 - Tabula has partnered with Lab 308, integrating its new generation infrared sensor technology and real-time imaging capability into FireVision by Tabula to support more informed and coordinated aerial firefighting operations globally.
The integration combines Lab 308’s compact, high-quality infrared camera systems with FireVision’s connected operational platform - streaming thermal imagery in real time directly to Tabula’s AirVision Tablet in the cockpit and the FireVision Command Centre.
Thermal imagery can be viewed across the FireVision platform from anywhere in the world, giving crews in the air and teams in operations centres a clearer, shared view of the fireground. By overlaying thermal imagery with live aircraft positioning and fireground mapping, operators and incident controllers can identify hotspots, monitor fire intensity, and coordinate response efforts more effectively in fast-moving fire environments.
The live imagery also enables incident controllers - whether operating in air attack aircraft or on the ground - to identify active hotspots and send more accurate suppression targets directly back to aircraft operating on the fireground.
Enhancing Visibility in Challenging Conditions
Smoke, terrain, tree canopy, and low-light conditions can make it difficult for aerial firefighting crews to maintain a clear operational picture in real time.
By integrating Lab 308’s infrared imaging capability into FireVision, aerial firefighting teams gain a live thermal layer across the fireground - helping crews interpret fire behaviour faster in challenging conditions.
Lab 308’s compact infrared sensors are designed for scalable deployment across aerial firefighting fleets, enabling more aircraft to contribute live thermal intelligence through FireVision’s connected coordination platform.
The integration allows operators to:
Track and monitor the moving fire front in real time
Improve visibility in smoke-obscured and low-light conditions
Identify hotspots and monitor fire intensity
Detect residual heat following retardant and water drops
Identify hidden hotspots beneath smoke and tree canopy
Improve coordination between aerial assets, incident command, and ground crews
Support more accurate targeting of suppression activity in fast-moving fire environments
Together, the integration helps crews move from estimation to informed action - supporting faster and more accurate response on the fireground.
A Connected Solution Built for Fireground Operations
The partnership brings together:
Lab 308’s infrared imaging systems designed for aerial firefighting aircraft
Tabula’s connected fireground coordination and operational visibility platform
Designed to fit seamlessly into existing workflows, the integration delivers enhanced situational awareness without adding unnecessary workload for pilots operating in high-pressure environments.
“This partnership is about helping firefighting teams maintain a clearer understanding of what’s happening on the fireground as conditions change,” said Michael Whittaker, CEO and Chairman of Tabula. “Our long-term goal is to see these low-cost thermal sensors deployed across water bombing aircraft globally - collecting unprecedented fireground imagery that helps crews respond more effectively, accurately, and safely.”
Supporting Smarter Aerial Firefighting Response
As wildfire events continue to increase in scale and complexity globally, firefighting agencies and aerial operators are increasingly looking for technologies that improve visibility, coordination, and situational awareness across air and ground operations.
By combining live thermal imaging with connected operational coordination, Tabula and Lab 308 are helping aerial firefighting teams respond faster and more effectively in demanding fire environments.
About Tabula
Founded in 2006, Tabula supports customers globally, with offices across New Zealand, Australia, USA and UK. Its platform brings planning, guidance, live visibility and proof of work together in one connected system. Supporting agriculture, aviation and emergency response, Tabula enables organisations to manage complex operations with greater clarity, coordination and control. For more information, visit https://www.tabula.live/
About Lab308
Lab308 develops infrared imaging and sensing technology designed for aerial firefighting and demanding operational environments. Its compact, pilot-operated systems deliver real-time thermal imaging to support improved fireground visibility, situational awareness, and operational coordination across aerial firefighting operations. For more information, visit https://www.lab-308.com/