Skip to main content

Search for a Stationary Target

  • Chapter
  • First Online:

Part of the book series: International Series in Operations Research & Management Science ((ISOR,volume 237))

Abstract

Many algorithms for computing optimal search plans for a moving target rely on being able to compute optimal plans for a stationary target. This chapter provides an overview of the standard models and results for optimal search for a stationary target. It discusses search sensors and some basic notions of detection modeling, including lateral range curves, sweep widths, and detection functions. It defines the search space and the prior distribution on target location in discrete and continuous space. It develops methods for finding search plans that maximize the probability of detecting the target by a fixed time and explores related optimal search problems such as minimizing the mean time to find the target. It presents algorithms that may be used to compute optimal plans in most cases. Optimal search for a stationary target is covered more extensively in Stone (2007).

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Buying options

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   149.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

References

  • Belkin B (1975) On the rate of expansion of gamma search plans. Oper Res 23:1033–1037

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Charnes A, Cooper WW (1958) The theory of search: optimum distribution of search effort. Manag Sci 5:44–50

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Coast Guard (2010) U.S. Coast Guard addendum to the United States search and rescue supplement (NSS) to the international aeronautical and maritime search and rescue manual (IAMSAR). COMDTINST M16130.2F, U.S., Coast Guard, Washington, DC

    Google Scholar 

  • Everett H (1963) Generalized Lagrange multiplier method for solving problems of optimum allocation of resources. Oper Res 11:399–417

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • IAMSAR (2008) International aeronautical and maritime search and rescue manual, vol 2. IMO/ICAO, London/Montréal

    Google Scholar 

  • Koopman BO (1946) Search and screening, vol 56, Operations evaluation group report. Center for Naval Analyses, Alexandria

    Google Scholar 

  • Koopman BO (1956a) The theory of search. Part I. Kinematic bases. Oper Res 4:324–346

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Koopman BO (1956b) The theory of search. Part II. Target detection. Oper Res 4:503–531

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Koopman BO (1957) The theory of search. Part III. The optimum distribution of searching effort. Oper Res 5:613–626

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Koopman BO (1980) Search and screening: general principles with historical applications. Pergamon Press, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Kratzke TM, Stone LD, Frost JR (2010) Search and rescue optimal planning system. In: Proceedings of the 13th international conference on information fusion, Edinburgh, UK, 26–29 July 2010

    Google Scholar 

  • Richardson HR, Belkin B (1972) Optimal search with uncertain sweep width. Oper Res 20:764–784

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stone LD (1992) Search for the SS Central America: mathematical treasure hunting. Interfaces 22:32–54

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stone LD (2007) Theory of optimal search, 2nd edn. INFORMS, Catonsville

    Google Scholar 

  • Washburn AR (2006) Piled-slab searches. Oper Res 54:1193–1200

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Washburn AR (2014a) Search and detection, 5th edn. Create Space, North Charleston

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2016 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Stone, L.D., Royset, J.O., Washburn, A.R. (2016). Search for a Stationary Target. In: Optimal Search for Moving Targets. International Series in Operations Research & Management Science, vol 237. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-26899-6_2

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics