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We present a novel method, the Gas Imaging (GIm) method, developed for the localization of gas distributions in the atmosphere. The method is suitable for the detection of gases which exhibit at least one absorption line in the infrared spectral range. In this paper the Gim method is demonstrated for methane released into the atmosphere from leaks along natural gas pipelines. Methane distributions in the atmosphere around the leaky pipeline are detected and visualized by spectrally tuned infrared imaging. In contrast to conventional techniques which utilize laser radiation sources or scanning, we irradiate the overall region under investigation by 1 kW halogen lamps. The scene background is subtracted by a realtime computer evaluation ofthe image. The methane gas emitted from the leak creates a flickering cloud in the image which is easily recognized. Methane concentrations as low as 0.03 % by volume (cloud diameter 30 cm) are visible. The method was successftilly tested under realistic conditions on a buried pipeline by a natural gas provider.

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