LOST: Finding an Oceanic Flight for Dummies

Our approach for finding a missing oceanic flight begins with modeling the most probable locale of said flight. To do so, we use our model to plot a projected region in which the plane likely first made contact with the water. Then our model breaks this region into smaller objects that flow with ocean current (based on known surface current data) for any given number of days. This enables us to create data relating which spots of the ocean are most likely to contain survivors, floating debris or wreckage on the ocean floor.

Next we form a comprehensive search method using known sensors, vessels and effective search patterns, assuring that all of our practices conform to international laws and treaties. In analyzing different technologies, we find that a mix of infrared, multi-beam SoNAR, LiDAR and line of site are the most effective means of detecting any debris or survivors. For search pattern techniques we use a hybrid of localized and generalized approaches; having focused search parties in locations of high probability given in our simulation as well as search parties that carry out maneuvers to scan a wider area of probability.