SARGIS: A GIS-Based Decision-making Support System for Maritime Search and Rescue

A geographic information system (GIS) based software tool, namely SARGIS, is developed to provide supporting information for the maritime search and rescue (SAR) service. SARGIS is mainly consisting of supporting databases, application modules and graphical user interface (GUI). The geographic information, SAR resources, vessel movements and ocean environment databases are established to provide necessary data for SAR incident response operations. The drift prediction module can estimate the temporal-spatial distribution and trajectory of the targets using a Monte-Carlo particle model, in which the tidal current, wind-driven current and leeway are taken into account. The SAR planning module can assist the response commander to determine the searching area, and search patterns, allocate the SAR units. From the data management to the visualization of SAR prediction and decision making results, all the system operations can be directed shown in the well-designed interactive GUI/GIS platform.