Search Planning System with Environmental Constraints - MP 09-10

The existing route planning and asset allocation algorithms in USW DSS produce plans to maximize a measure such as Cumulative Detection Probability (CDP) for a sensor searching for a target. These algorithms take into account the environment in order to calculate signal excess and the CDP of the search paths considered in producing a recommended plan, ideally one that maximizes CDP within the operational constraints provided by the operator. However, for search involving active sonar, these plans do not take into account the need to minimize Marine Mammal Impact (MMI). The goal of the proposed effort is to develop a route planning and asset allocation approach that will provide the user with range of plans that allow the operator to see the tradeoff between maximizing CDP and minimizing MMI. The tradeoff will be present visually in terms of curve of CDP versus MMI. Using the curve, the operator can choose the tradeoff appropriate for the operational situation.