LKP - Last Known Point - This is the location that idicates the subject was at that particular location. The LKP can change when new clues are found and verified.
IPP - Initial Planning Point - This is usually the LKP and will not change. The IPP is used to plan the search.
POA - Probability of Area - This is the chances that the subject is in the area being searched by the search and rescue team.
POD - Probability of Detection - This is the chances of the search and rescue team finding the subject (or clues) assuming that they are in the area being searched. POD increases when an area is searched multiple times. If a high POD is desired, it can usually be accomplished.
Some things that infulence POD:
- Type and effectiveness of search team. (Trained, Canine..)
- Size of the segment to be searched. Usually, the bigger the area, the lower the POD.
- If searchers hurry because they are late, POD suffers.
- Search method can affect POD.
- Weather influences visibility and searcher comfort.
- Rough terrain can be a hinderance to the search team.
- Thick vegetation can also be a hinderance.
POS - Probability of Success - This is the chance of being successful in a given area. It is based on the POA and the POD. You can determine POS by this calculation: POS = POA X POD
