2004 UC Proceedings Abstract

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The USCG Search and Rescue Optimal Planning System via C/JMTK
Track: Defense and Intelligence
Author(s): Robert Netsch

The United States Coast Guard now belongs to the Department of Homeland Security and although busy with new responsibilities, Search and Rescue (SAR) remains a primary mission of the service. Many people equate SAR with daring actions taken by helicopters and rescue swimmers. However, a critical component of the SAR process takes place well before a helicopter can get on-scene. This is the activity of Search Planning. Search planning is largely concerned with the common GIS notion as to "where things are" and contains a wide range of elements pertaining to situational awareness, spatial analysis and drift simulation. Within these areas GIS is key and why the USCG is developing the Search and Rescue Optimal Planning System (SAROPS) with help from the Commercial Joint Mapping Tool Kit (CJMTK).

Robert Netsch
USCG C2CEN
el
4000 Coast Guard Blvd
Portsmouth , VA 27949
US
Phone: 757-638-2762
E-mail: rnetsch@earthlink.net