This hands on course is designed to integrate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into real world land search operations. Participants will be divided into two operational teams: a UAS team and a ground search team, working together to locate a missing person.

The UAS team will plan and execute a drone mapping mission, utilizing aerial data collection techniques to identify clues, points of interest, and potential locations of the subject. Emphasis will be placed on mission planning, flight execution, sensor use, search patterns, and rapid data interpretation.

Simultaneously, the ground search team will conduct a coordinated land search using SARTopo . Team members will develop search strategies, track progress in real time, and integrate aerial intelligence provided by the drone team into their operations.

Throughout the exercise, students will focus on communication, coordination, and decision making between air and ground assets. This scenario based training reinforces best practices for search and rescue missions, improving efficiency, coverage, and overall mission success.

Key Training Objectives:

* Conducting drone based mapping missions for search operations

* Integrating aerial data into ground search strategies

* Utilizing SARTopo for real time tracking and coordination

* Enhancing communication between UAS pilots and land search teams

* Applying search theory and missing person behavior in a practical scenario