Optical gas imaging camera with navigation and targeting control, learning and operating methods for the camera, and compliance auditing system

A method comprising:

• capturing, by an optical gas imaging camera, an infrared image of a target object;
• capturing, by the optical gas imaging camera at a first time, a reference visible light image of the target object;
• capturing, by the optical gas imaging camera at a second time that is after the first time, a captured visible light image of the target object;
• determining, by the optical gas imaging camera at the first time, a reference distance between the target object and the optical gas imaging camera, and a reference geographic location or position of the optical gas imaging camera;
• and
• determining, by the optical gas imaging camera at the second time, an operating distance between the target object and the optical gas imaging camera, and an operating geographic location or position of the optical gas imaging camera.

A method for operating a fugitive emissions compliance system, the method comprising:

• encoding, by an optical gas imaging camera, a captured infrared image, a captured visible light image, distance data, temperature data, and geographic position data into an encoded data stream or encoded data packet;
• transmitting, by an optical gas imaging camera, compliance data comprising the encoded data stream or the encoded data packet to a central computer;
• receiving, by the central computer, the compliance data from the optical gas imaging camera;
• and
• storing, by the central computer, the compliance data.