UKAS Temperature Mapping Services

UKAS Temperature Mapping for Controlled Environments

A single temperature reading can confirm that a sensor is measuring accurately, but it cannot show whether every part of a temperature-controlled environment is staying within the required limits.

Temperature mapping records temperature at multiple points throughout an environment over a defined period. This provides a clearer picture of how temperature is distributed across the space and can identify hot spots, cold spots and areas of temperature variation.

Calibrio provides UKAS-accredited temperature mapping for chambers, fridges, freezers, cold rooms, hot rooms and plasma thawers, from -90°C to 100°C, carried out on site. Our mapping studies provide documented results to support quality, compliance and audit requirements

Want to discuss your requirements or get a quote? Get in touch

📞 01244 638 150 or ✉️ info@calibrio.co.uk

Blue line icon of a thermometer with fast motion lines and text Temperature Mapping.

What is temperature mapping?

Temperature mapping is the process of measuring and recording temperature at multiple points throughout a controlled environment over a defined period of time.

During a mapping study, calibrated data loggers are positioned at appropriate locations throughout the space. The number and position of the sensors depends on factors such as the size and layout of the environment, airflow patterns, racking or load arrangements, door locations and how the space is used.

Unlike a single temperature reading, mapping shows how temperature varies throughout the environment. It can identify hot spots, cold spots and areas where temperature fluctuates or becomes unstable, helping to show how the environment performs under the conditions tested.

The results provide documented evidence of temperature conditions across the mapped area and can help demonstrate whether the environment is capable of maintaining the required temperature limits throughout the space.

UKAS Accreditation

We are able to offer single or

multipoint temperature mapping of chambers, fridges, freezers, cold rooms, hot rooms and plasma thawers

(-90 °C to 100 °C) — on site .

Find out more about our accreditation

How does a mapping study work?

Every temperature-controlled environment is different, so we scope each study according to the equipment, space, intended use and requirements of your quality system.

Planning the study

We determine the appropriate number and position of data loggers, the duration of the study and whether mapping should be carried out under empty, loaded or both conditions.

Recording temperature

Calibrated data loggers are positioned throughout the environment and record temperature continuously for the agreed study period. Our mapping studies typically run from 24 hours to 7 days, depending on the environment and requirements.

Analysing the results

The recorded data is analysed to identify temperature variation throughout the mapped area, including areas where temperatures may be outside the required limits.

Reporting the findings

You'll receive a documented report containing the mapping data and analysis, providing a record of how the environment performed during the study.

If you also need temperature calibration, you can find out more about how our calibration process works here.

Temperature mapping for fridges, freezers and incubators

Fridge temperature mapping

A single monitoring point cannot show how temperature varies throughout a fridge. Fridge temperature mapping uses multiple calibrated data loggers to assess temperature distribution throughout the storage space over a defined period.

This can identify warmer and colder areas and help demonstrate whether the fridge is maintaining the required temperature throughout the space.

Calibrio provides UKAS-accredited on-site temperature mapping for fridges within our accredited scope.

Find out more about fridge and freezer calibration here

Freezer temperature mapping

Temperature can vary throughout a freezer depending on its design, airflow, storage arrangement and how the equipment is used.

Freezer temperature mapping measures temperature at multiple points throughout the freezer to identify temperature variation and provide documented evidence of how the environment performs under the conditions tested.

Calibrio provides UKAS-accredited on-site temperature mapping for freezers within our accredited scope, covering the applicable range from -90°C to 100°C.

Incubator temperature mapping

Incubators need to maintain stable environmental conditions for the work being carried out inside them. Mapping can be used to assess temperature distribution throughout the chamber and identify areas of temperature variation.

The requirements for an incubator study will depend on the equipment, its intended use and your acceptance criteria.

Find out more about incubator services here

Environments we map

We conduct UKAS temperature mapping services across a variety of temperature-controlled environments, including:

- Laboratory fridges and freezers

- Medical fridges and vaccine storage

- Incubators and laboratory chambers

- Cold rooms and walk-in fridges

- Warehouses and distribution spaces

- Low-temperature freezer storage

- Manufacturing and processing areas

- Transport vehicles and trailers

If your temperature-controlled environment isn't listed, get in touch and we'll let you know if we can assist.

Laboratory fridge with medicines stacked on multiple shelves

When do you need a temperature mapping study?

Temperature mapping may be appropriate when:

installing new temperature-controlled equipment
commissioning a new facility or storage area
relocating equipment or changing the layout
carrying out repairs or maintenance
making significant changes to airflow
changing product or process requirements
investigating unexplained temperature excursions
carrying out routine requalification

Some environments may also need to be mapped under different seasonal conditions. For example, summer and winter studies can demonstrate performance under different ambient conditions.

There is no single mapping interval that applies to every environment. The appropriate frequency will depend on your equipment, risk assessment, quality system and regulatory requirements.

If you're unsure whether your environment needs mapping or how frequently it should be repeated, Contact Us and we can discuss your requirements.

What happens if the mapping identifies a problem?

A temperature mapping study may identify areas where temperatures fall outside the required limits or where significant temperature variation occurs.

The findings can help identify potential causes, such as airflow, equipment performance, the position of heating or cooling systems, racking or storage arrangements, or how the space is being used.

Depending on the findings, corrective action might include adjusting equipment settings, changing the position of stock or racking, addressing airflow issues, carrying out maintenance, or reviewing monitoring points and procedures.

Once changes have been made, further mapping may be appropriate to confirm that the issue has been addressed and that the environment can maintain the required conditions.

The mapping report provides a documented record of the findings, helping you and your quality team determine what action is appropriate based on your own acceptance criteria and procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many sensors are used in a temperature mapping study?

There isn't a fixed number of sensors for every mapping study.

The number and position of data loggers will depend on the size and layout of the environment, airflow, racking or storage arrangements, door locations and the requirements of the study.

We'll determine the appropriate sensor arrangement when we scope your study.

How long does temperature mapping take?

Temperature mapping studies typically run from 24 hours to 7 days, depending on the environment and the requirements of the study.

We'll agree the appropriate duration when the study is scoped.

Should temperature mapping be carried out empty or loaded?

Both approaches can provide useful information.

An empty study shows how the environment performs without stock or other obstructions affecting airflow. A loaded study shows how it performs under more representative working conditions.

The appropriate approach depends on your quality system, acceptance criteria and the purpose of the study. In some cases, both may be required.

How often should temperature mapping be repeated?

There isn't a universal interval for every environment.

The frequency should be determined by factors such as your risk assessment, quality system, regulatory requirements, equipment performance and any changes to the environment.

Annual mapping is common in some regulated environments, while seasonal mapping or additional studies may be appropriate following significant changes or temperature excursions.

Do I still need continuous monitoring after mapping?

Yes, where continuous monitoring is required by your procedures or regulatory requirements.

Temperature mapping demonstrates how an environment performs under the conditions tested. Continuous monitoring provides ongoing information about temperature and can identify excursions as they happen.

The two processes serve different purposes and can work together as part of your temperature-control system.

What is the purpose of a temperature mapping study?

To confirm that the entire storage space or environment stays within required limits, not just at the point where a display sensor sits. It identifies temperature variation across the space and gives you documented evidence of performance for audit and compliance purposes.

Do you map under loaded or empty conditions?

Both approaches give you different and useful information.

An empty mapping study shows you how the space performs under ideal conditions — with nothing in it to obstruct airflow or affect temperature distribution. A loaded study shows you how it performs under real working conditions, with product, racking or equipment in place, which can significantly change how air moves around the space.

For many regulated environments, a loaded study is more meaningful because it reflects the conditions your product is actually stored in. Some quality systems require both — an empty study to qualify the space itself, and a loaded study to validate it under normal use.

We'll advise on the right approach when we scope the study, based on your regulatory requirements and what your audit needs to demonstrate.

What's the difference between temperature mapping and calibration?

Calibration checks whether an individual temperature sensor or probe is measuring accurately against a reference standard.

Temperature mapping assesses how temperature varies throughout an environment by taking measurements at multiple points.

For critical or regulated environments, you may need both: calibration to verify the accuracy of your monitoring equipment and mapping to assess temperature distribution throughout the environment.

Find out more about how our calibration process works here

Why does UKAS accreditation matter for temperature mapping?

Accurate measurements are essential to a reliable temperature mapping study.

Using data loggers calibrated by a UKAS-accredited calibration laboratory provides confidence that the instruments used during the study have been independently assessed against recognised standards.

Calibrio is accredited by UKAS to ISO/IEC 17025 for on-site temperature mapping of chambers, fridges, freezers, cold rooms, hot rooms and plasma thawers within the accredited range of -90°C to 100°C.

Find out more about our UKAS accreditation here