1. A method for enhancing local contrast in a thermal image for a class of objects having a thermal characteristic, the method comprising: providing thermal image data representing a first thermal image, wherein the first thermal image is acquired by an absolute calibrated thermal imaging system, redistributing the thermal image data having a first intensity distribution into a second intensity distribution using a predetermined redistribution function, wherein the predetermined redistribution function is based on the thermal characteristic of the class of objects, wherein the redistribution function is arranged such that the local contrast is enhanced within a portion of the thermal image pertaining to the class of objects, and outputting the redistributed thermal image data as the thermal image.