ABSTRACT
The dynamic relation between maps and the spaces they represent is common to geographic information systems. The search manager initiates the containment operation by filling out a tasking command form that specifies the parameters of the task, the team characteristics and leader, street address or geographic coordinates for the pertinent location, and communication channels. By the time that search-and-rescue agencies become involved, the problem of searching for the lost person typically involves a vast environment and several threatening possibilities. Search management involves development of search operations at several likely locations of the lost person and coordination of several operations in addition to search. Search planners had difficulties estimating the size of subareas so that tasking could be reasonable for search teams of different capacities. Search operations require that activities be linked to environmental features. The training exercise may specify the targets for an evidence search or a search for a person.
