Optimal Search for a Moving Target in Discrete Time and Space

Abstract

We consider optimal search for a moving target in discrete space. A limited amount of search effort is available at each of a fixed number of time intervals and we assume an exponential detection function. We show that a search plan maximizes the overall probability of detection if and only if for each time interval i the search conducted at time i maximizes the probability of detecting a stationary target with the probability that the stationary target occupies cell c equal to the probability that the moving target occupies cell c at time i and is not detected by the search at any time interval other than i . This characterization gives an iterative algorithm to compute optimal search plans. These plans are compared with incrementally optimal plans.