The present study deals with the thermal mapping technique in a road climatological perspective. The temperature mapping technique is analysed in relation to instrument set-ups, data collecting and possible sources of errors in converting measured radiation to surface temperature values. Furthermore, analyses of thermal mapping recordings are discussed. Factors that give rise to a varying temperature pattern are presented (i.e. road-bed material, radiation and advection), and also how the thermal mapping technique can be used to determine the relative importance of these factors. The conclusion of the study is that the technique is very useful but it is very important to be aware of the limits and different source of errors involved.