Target Detection Probabilities for Continuous Line Search

Abstract

Results of an investigation which is aimed at improving search patterns used in subsurface exploration are presented. Expressions are developed for probability of detection of elliptical targets from various continuous line searches such as parallel lines, square, rhombus, rectangle, and parallelogram. It was assumed that the intersection of the target by search lines provides the condition for detection. Probabilities were calculated to study the effect of target size, shape, and its relative orientation with respect to the search pattern on the probability of intersection for each of the aforementioned search patterns. From this study it was possible to find the relative orientations which provide the maximum probability of intersection for different target sizes and shapes with different patterns. These calculated probabilities were also used to select the optimum search pattern to be used when exploring for elliptical shaped targets. The parallelogram shape was found to be the best pattern for detecting targets with approximately known orientations as well as targets with random orientations.