Collaborative navigation in virtual search and rescue

Disaster relief responders aim to quickly locate and extract survivors from dangerous environments. This research explores the use of a collaborative guidance system for search-and-rescue in a complex building. We implemented and evaluated a proof-of-concept system that allowed a scene commander and responder to efficiently search a building using visual, nonverbal communication. Participants found the interface to be both intuitive and fun, and results suggest that the collaborative navigation system was effective.