Adaptive grid-based decomposition for UAV-based coverage path planning in maritime search and rescue

Abstract: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly utilized in search and rescue (SAR) operations to enhance efficiency by enabling rescue teams to cover large search areas in a shorter time. Reducing coverage time directly increases the likelihood of finding the target quickly, thereby improving the chances of a successful SAR operation. In this context, UAVs require path planning to determine the optimal flight path that fully covers the search area in the least amount of time. A common approach involves decomposing the search area into a grid, where the UAV must visit all cells to achieve complete coverage. In this paper, we propose an Adaptive Grid-based Decomposition (AGD) algorithm that efficiently partitions polygonal search areas into grids with fewer cells. Additionally, we utilize a Mixed-Integer Programming (MIP) model, compatible with the AGD algorithm, to determine a flight path that ensures complete cell coverage while minimizing overall coverage time. Experimental results highlight the efficiency of the AGD algorithm in reducing coverage time (by up to 20%) across various scenarios.