Network analysis for search areas in WiSAR operations

Sebastian Drexel,Susanne Zimmermann-Janschitz,Robert J Koester

doi:10.1108/ijes-02-2017-0005

Sebastian Drexel, Susanne Zimmermann-Janschitz + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1108/ijes-02-2017-0005

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Abstract

PurposeA search and rescue incident is ultimately all about the location of the missing person; hence, geotechnical tools are critical in providing assistance to search planners. One critical role of Geographic Information Systems (GISs) is to define the boundaries that define the search area. The literature mostly focuses on ring- and area-based methods but lacks a linear/network approach. The purpose of this paper is to present a novel network approach that will benefit search planners by saving time, requires less data layers and provides better results.Design/methodology/approachThe paper compares two existing models (Ring Model, Travel Time Cost Surface Model (TTCSM)) against a new network model (Travel Time Network Model) by using a case study from a mountainous area in Austria. Newest data from the International Search and Rescue Incident Database are used for all three models. Advantages and disadvantages of each model are evaluated.FindingsNetwork analyses offer a fruitful alternative to the Ring Model and the TTCSM for estimating search areas, especially for regions with comprehensive trail/road networks. Furthermore, only few basic data are needed for quick calculation.Practical implicationsThe paper supports GIS network analyses for wildland search and rescue operations to raise the survival chances of missing persons due to optimizing search area estimation.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates the value of the novel network approach, which requires fewer GIS layers and less time to generate a solution. Furthermore, the paper provides a comparison between all three potential models.

Highlights

In the European Alps, in tourist areas, many hiking trails allow unlimited access to the mountains, almost regardless of visitors’ hiking skills
In Austria, about 400 people annually are reported missing in the mountains and have to be taken back to safety (OEBRD – Austrian Mountain Rescue Organization, 2013)
In the preparation and planning process of these operations, Geographic Information Systems (GISs) are increasingly used to assist the management and analysis of spatial data, providing support to the search and rescue (SAR) team. Critical in this process is the estimation of the search area size, affecting the time necessary to cover the area during the search

Summary

Introduction

In the European Alps, in tourist areas, many hiking trails allow unlimited access to the mountains, almost regardless of visitors’ hiking skills. In the preparation and planning process of these operations, Geographic Information Systems (GISs) are increasingly used to assist the management and analysis of spatial data, providing support to the search and rescue (SAR) team. Network analysis carries a huge potential for WiSAR they are yet rarely applied Reasons for this are road/trail network density – few linear objects in areas cannot provide meaningful results – the availability of vector data, and different locational conditions worldwide, e.g. US National Parks vs European Alps. Canadian researchers provided network analysis methods for locating persons with Alzheimer They combined geotechnical applications, statistical analyses of recent cases and medical knowledge with subject-related information about the patients (Croteau and Belhassine, 2016). These distances define the probability areas around the IPP and are calculated with GIS multiple-ring buffer analysis, but can be obtained with paper and pencil (Table I)

X Paper and pencil or GIS multiple-ring buffer

Findings

Conclusion and further research