Person Mobility Algorithm and Geographic Information System for Search and Rescue Missions Planning

Abstract

In search and rescue (SAR) operations, up-to-date information on the terrain is critical because every additional hour required to search for a person reduces the likelihood of success. Therefore, it is necessary to provide quick access and the best possible input data for planners and search teams and to develop tools that can help them plan and monitor actions in real-time. This paper describes a novel system based on the use of GIS for planning actions and visualizing the situation on the ground. Special focus is devoted to the algorithm for assessing the mobility of the missing person. Using this algorithm, the area of the proposed search area is modeled based on obtained information about the type of terrain on which the searches are planned. The obtained results are presented as a new Geographic Information System layer and have proven to be a quality that helps in defining the search space. Further research is discussed, especially regarding the assessment of the passability of certain types of terrain.