Preferred embodiments of an image display system achieve mapping of high dynamic range image data to render on a lower dynamic range display device a corresponding image characterized by stable global intensity levels and visually perceptible local area detail. The high dynamic range image data include representations of relatively low intensity contrast, high spatial frequency details and relatively low spatial frequency intensities. Data derived from the high dynamic range image data are applied to a nonlinear intensity transform. The nonlinear intensity transform preserves or enhances the low intensity contrast, high spatial frequency details and maintains a visually perceptible representation of the relatively low spatial frequency intensities to thereby provide visually perceptible local area detail. An exemplary embodiment derives high dynamic range image data from a thermal infrared camera for use with aircraft.