Predict drift
Model the likely movement of persons and objects using winds, currents and object-specific leeway behavior.
Search and rescue modeling
SARMAP
SARMAP provides rapid predictions of the drift of objects and persons at sea and during aeronautical incidents, helping response teams define the most probable search areas and use available assets more efficiently.
Built for time-sensitive operations
Decision support for marine and aeronautical search and rescue.
SARMAP is a search and rescue model system designed to predict the movement of missing persons, vessels, debris and other drifting objects.
It supports operational decision-making by helping responders prioritize search areas, assess uncertainty and allocate search assets more efficiently during active incidents.
Define search areas
Visualize most-probable regions and evolving uncertainty to support operational search planning.
Improve readiness
Run seasonal and site-specific scenarios for contingency planning, training and realistic exercises.
Operational software in context
Search intelligence presented through clear, map-based workflows.
Use the placeholders in this section for SARMAP screenshots showing probability maps, object trajectories, ensemble spread, search polygons and track histories.
Probability mapDrift tracksSearch polygonsBacktrackingTrack history
Core modeling capabilities
Model the likely path while accounting for uncertainty.
01
Deterministic forecasting
Track the predicted movement of a person or object.
Rapid, map-based trajectory predictions combine environmental fields with object-specific leeway characteristics to estimate drift and support immediate search planning.
02
Ensemble forecasting
Visualize uncertainty across an evolving search area.
Ensemble and stochastic forecasts generate multiple realizations to quantify uncertainty, reveal spread and identify the most probable regions for search operations.
A rapid operational workflow
Define the incident. Model the drift. Prioritize the search.
Define the search object
Select the person, vessel, life raft, debris or other object being modeled.
Set the release
Create a scenario from a point, along a track or across an area with time controls.
Apply metocean data
Use winds, waves and currents from operational, real-time or historical datasets.
Review the search picture
Examine probability maps, trajectory ensembles, travel times and shoreline interactions.
SARMAPTurn environmental data into an actionable search picture.
SARMAP features
Flexible scenario tools for active incidents, planning and training.
Object-specific drift
Use wind, current and leeway characteristics to model persons in the water, vessels, life rafts, cargo and aircraft debris.
Forward and backward tracking
Forecast where a target may travel or backtrack debris and persons to estimate possible origin points.
Flexible release scenarios
Configure releases at points, along tracks or across areas with time-varying start, stop and persistence controls.
Operational outputs
Review most-probable search regions, time of arrival, track histories, probability maps and tabular summaries.
Typical applications
One modeling system for a wide range of search and rescue scenarios.
Persons in the water
Support man-overboard events and searches for missing persons in marine environments.
Vessels and floating objects
Model adrift vessels, life rafts, small craft, floating cargo and lost containers.
Aeronautical incidents
Estimate aircraft debris drift during combined marine and aeronautical search operations.
Data-ready for operations
Connect the model to the environmental information each mission requires.
SARMAP consumes metocean data streams from operational forecast systems and supports real-time and historical datasets.
Flexible import of gridded fields and time series supports hindcasts, nowcasts and forecasts while allowing integration with broader emergency response workflows and mapping platforms.
Operational feeds
Use winds, waves and currents from forecast systems and live data services.
Historical analysis
Run hindcasts and training scenarios with archived environmental datasets.
Workflow integration
Connect model results with broader mapping, reporting and emergency response systems.
OUTPUTSCommunicate the search area clearly.
Operational outputs
Results built for analysis, briefings and field coordination.
Probability maps and polygons
Display time-evolving probability fields and most-probable search regions.
Trajectories and ensembles
Compare individual tracks, ensemble realizations and spread metrics.
Operational statistics
Review track histories, travel-time estimates and shoreline interaction flags.
Exportable reporting
Create images and tabular summaries for mission briefings, documentation and reports.
Software support
Updates, documentation and account resources.
Registered users can access account information, application updates and software support documentation through the support portal.
Software support loginStart a conversation
Bring greater focus to your next search and rescue challenge.
Connect with the Ocean Science team to discuss SARMAP, operational requirements, training, data integration or implementation.