--- title: "Built on Experience: SAR Intelligence, Now Embedded in DroneSense" description: Built on extensive testing and experience, proven search and rescue patterns are embedded in the DroneSense platform. image: https://blog.dronesense.com/hubfs/01%20(5)-1.svg --- [![DS VTM Logo Horizontal - Color Light (2)](https://blog.dronesense.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DS%20VTM%20Logo%20Horizontal%20-%20Color%20Light%20(2).png?width=489&height=100&name=DS%20VTM%20Logo%20Horizontal%20-%20Color%20Light%20(2).png "DS VTM Logo Horizontal - Color Light (2)")](https://www.dronesense.com) [![DS VTM Logo Horizontal - Color Light (2)](https://blog.dronesense.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DS%20VTM%20Logo%20Horizontal%20-%20Color%20Light%20(2).png?width=489&height=100&name=DS%20VTM%20Logo%20Horizontal%20-%20Color%20Light%20(2).png "DS VTM Logo Horizontal - Color Light (2)")](https://www.dronesense.com) - Who We Serve - [Law Enforcement](https://www.dronesense.com/law-enforcement) - [Fire & Rescue](https://www.dronesense.com/fire-and-rescue) - [Emergency Management](https://www.dronesense.com/emergency-management) - Products - [Tactical Operations](https://www.dronesense.com/platform) - [For Pilots](https://www.dronesense.com/pilots) - [For Operations](https://www.dronesense.com/opshub) - [Fleet Management](https://www.dronesense.com/airbase) - [Drone as First Responder](https://www.dronesense.com/drone-as-first-responder) - [Response Team](https://www.dronesense.com/response-team) - [Partners](https://www.dronesense.com/partners) - Company - [About Us](https://www.dronesense.com/about-us) - [Join Us](https://www.dronesense.com/join-us) - Resources - [Podcast](https://www.dronesense.com/dronecast) - [Blog](https://blog.dronesense.com/) - [Support](https://support.dronesense.com/hc/en-us) - [Trust & Security](https://trust.dronesense.com/) - [Instructor Courses](https://web.cvent.com/event/0320af2a-4df9-4d1d-b980-eafa2c5c6437/summary?tm=s1L7ddOpv_OhsP2fGvKhIeNfB7IL_GhTMF7qCn07tH0) - [Fly Days](https://explore.dronesense.com/fly-days) - [DroneSense Innovation Summit by Versaterm](https://dronesense.versatermconference.com/) - [How to Login](https://support.dronesense.com/hc/en-us/articles/47378609334029-DroneSense-Login-Addresses) More results [Schedule a call](https://www.dronesense.com/get-started-with-dronesense) [Schedule a call](https://www.dronesense.com/get-started-with-dronesense) [Schedule a call](https://www.dronesense.com/get-started-with-dronesense) - Who We Serve - [Law Enforcement](https://www.dronesense.com/law-enforcement) - [Fire & Rescue](https://www.dronesense.com/fire-and-rescue) - [Emergency Management](https://www.dronesense.com/emergency-management) - Products - [Tactical Operations](https://www.dronesense.com/platform) - [For Pilots](https://www.dronesense.com/pilots) - [For Operations](https://www.dronesense.com/opshub) - [Fleet Management](https://www.dronesense.com/airbase) - [Drone as First Responder](https://www.dronesense.com/drone-as-first-responder) - [Response Team](https://www.dronesense.com/response-team) - [Partners](https://www.dronesense.com/partners) - Company - [About Us](https://www.dronesense.com/about-us) - [Join Us](https://www.dronesense.com/join-us) - Resources - [Podcast](https://www.dronesense.com/dronecast) - [Blog](https://blog.dronesense.com/) - [Support](https://support.dronesense.com/hc/en-us) - [Trust & Security](https://trust.dronesense.com/) - [Instructor Courses](https://web.cvent.com/event/0320af2a-4df9-4d1d-b980-eafa2c5c6437/summary?tm=s1L7ddOpv_OhsP2fGvKhIeNfB7IL_GhTMF7qCn07tH0) - [Fly Days](https://explore.dronesense.com/fly-days) - [DroneSense Innovation Summit by Versaterm](https://dronesense.versatermconference.com/) - [How to Login](https://support.dronesense.com/hc/en-us/articles/47378609334029-DroneSense-Login-Addresses) [Schedule a call](https://www.dronesense.com/get-started-with-dronesense) DroneSense Blog #### Share this [Share on X](https://x.com/intent/post?url=https://blog.dronesense.com/sar-flight-patterns&text=Built+on+Experience%3A+SAR+Intelligence%2C+Now+Embedded+in+DroneSense) [Share on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.dronesense.com/sar-flight-patterns&t=Built+on+Experience%3A+SAR+Intelligence%2C+Now+Embedded+in+DroneSense) [Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.dronesense.com/sar-flight-patterns&t=Built+on+Experience%3A+SAR+Intelligence%2C+Now+Embedded+in+DroneSense) # Built on Experience: SAR Intelligence, Now Embedded in DroneSense by [**DroneSense**](https://blog.dronesense.com/author/dronesense-1) on 5/19/25, 4:55 PM When someone goes missing, every moment matters—and your attention should be on the mission, not managing flight paths. That’s why DroneSense brings proven, automated search and rescue flight patterns right to your fingertips—so pilots can concentrate on what truly matters: bringing people home, faster. ➡️ \[Watch the video\] or \[read the case study\] to see how automation is transforming SAR operations in the field. ![Case Study title (1)](https://blog.dronesense.com/hubfs/Case%20Study%20title%20(1).svg) Introduction At DroneSense, we're dedicated to empowering public safety professionals with cutting-edge technology and practical solutions tailored to their unique needs. Designed by a team with firsthand experience in public safety, our platform is enhancing search and rescue (SAR) capabilities by embedding rigorously tested, automated SAR flight patterns directly into our software. Developed by the Norwegian Police Unmanned Air Support Unit (NPUAS), these data-driven patterns significantly enhance detection rates and reduce mission complexity—allowing pilots to locate missing individuals faster, safer, and more effectively. The Challenge Traditionally, drone pilots in SAR operations faced challenges balancing precise navigation and thorough visual searches across diverse terrains—including land and water environments. Without systematic flight patterns, searches risk inefficiency, leading to potentially critical oversight of missing persons. The Solution DroneSense addressed the challenges faced by drone pilots by integrating six extensively tested, predefined SAR flight patterns into its UAS platform. These flight patterns were developed by the NPUAS following a systematic analysis of over **50,000 global SAR incidents**, utilizing the established "Bike Wheel Methodology"—a statistical framework that predicts where missing individuals are most likely to be located. Recognizing the distinct requirements for **water-based searches**, NPUAS also rigorously evaluated drone flight patterns optimized specifically for aquatic environments. These specialized water-search patterns carefully account for critical variables, such as water clarity, depth, surface disturbances, lighting conditions, and underwater terrain, significantly enhancing detection probabilities in maritime and freshwater SAR operations. *"Integrating our proven SAR flight patterns into the common piloting application we use has increased our effectiveness, simplified pilot workloads, and enhanced mission safety—it's a game-changer for our search and rescue operations and will surely enable us to save even more lives in the years to come."* *– Norwegian Police Unmanned Air Support Unit (NPUAS)* This solution is uniquely designed to maximize the **Probability of Detection (POD)** by carefully optimizing critical variables, including: - **Camera Sensor Technology:** Incorporates RGB, thermal, and low-light sensors. - **Gimbal Angles:** Ensures optimal camera positioning to improve visibility and detection rates. - **Flight Altitudes:** Matches altitude to the camera’s field of view to guarantee thorough area coverage. - **Flight Speeds and Visual Scanning:** Balances speed with operator scanning techniques for effective searches without compromising detail. The six predefined SAR flight patterns available in DroneSense allow pilots to easily execute complex searches with confidence, significantly enhancing operational efficiency, situational awareness, and mission success. ![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdRSOOD23rOn8yn6zbD9nTlzf4w_N0W64808lKvfqjhvI5mnSphJygDmiIAcicMm1V9oIB9mqw2rstbl3OZe7eHj-kISmwsRaEgu7pRLluzDxoFpA3JEjIgK_1BwIzEirvnoLqJ6Q?key=ggCIdjTMwcw1l1UJtwU3guo7) ![Proven SAR flight patterns](https://blog.dronesense.com/hubfs/6%20SAR%20Patterns.svg) Results and Benefits The systematic, data-driven SAR flight patterns identified by NPUAS proved highly effective, resulting in an **8-fold increase** in successful search-and-rescue recoveries compared to the initial trial year period. Based on the remarkable success and proven effectiveness of the NPUAS methods, DroneSense integrated these validated search patterns directly into its UAS platform, making them easily accessible to public safety agencies worldwide. With DroneSense’s three-dimensional SAR flight patterns, drone pilots can allow the platform to fly optimal flight patterns while automatically adjusting altitude to safely navigate rugged terrain. This allows pilots to fully focus on visual search efforts rather than complex flight control tasks, dramatically improving operational efficiency and increasing the likelihood of finding missing individuals quickly. By pairing advanced methodology with seamless technology, DroneSense continues to set the standard in drone-based search-and-rescue operations, enabling agencies to save more lives with greater confidence and efficiency. Ready to transform your SAR missions? Contact DroneSense at [sales@dronesense.com](mailto:sales@dronesense.com) and discover how automated drone SAR flight patterns can seamlessly integrate with your workflow and enhance your search and rescue effectiveness. Topics: [Case Studies](https://blog.dronesense.com/tag/case-studies) [Blogs](https://blog.dronesense.com/tag/blogs) #### Share this [Share on X](https://x.com/intent/post?url=https://blog.dronesense.com/sar-flight-patterns&text=Built+on+Experience%3A+SAR+Intelligence%2C+Now+Embedded+in+DroneSense) [Share on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.dronesense.com/sar-flight-patterns&t=Built+on+Experience%3A+SAR+Intelligence%2C+Now+Embedded+in+DroneSense) [Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.dronesense.com/sar-flight-patterns&t=Built+on+Experience%3A+SAR+Intelligence%2C+Now+Embedded+in+DroneSense) - Recent - Topics - Archive Recent Topics - [Blogs (34)](https://blog.dronesense.com/tag/blogs) - [Webinars (7)](https://blog.dronesense.com/tag/webinars) - [Case Studies (6)](https://blog.dronesense.com/tag/case-studies) - [Press Release (4)](https://blog.dronesense.com/tag/press-release) - [Partners (2)](https://blog.dronesense.com/tag/partners) - [Events (1)](https://blog.dronesense.com/tag/events) See all Archive - [March 2026 (1)](https://blog.dronesense.com/archive/2026/03) - [September 2025 (1)](https://blog.dronesense.com/archive/2025/09) - [July 2025 (2)](https://blog.dronesense.com/archive/2025/07) - [June 2025 (1)](https://blog.dronesense.com/archive/2025/06) - [May 2025 (1)](https://blog.dronesense.com/archive/2025/05) - [February 2025 (1)](https://blog.dronesense.com/archive/2025/02) - [January 2025 (2)](https://blog.dronesense.com/archive/2025/01) - [December 2024 (3)](https://blog.dronesense.com/archive/2024/12) - [November 2024 (2)](https://blog.dronesense.com/archive/2024/11) - [October 2024 (3)](https://blog.dronesense.com/archive/2024/10) - [September 2024 (1)](https://blog.dronesense.com/archive/2024/09) - [August 2024 (2)](https://blog.dronesense.com/archive/2024/08) - [July 2024 (3)](https://blog.dronesense.com/archive/2024/07) - [June 2024 (2)](https://blog.dronesense.com/archive/2024/06) - [March 2024 (2)](https://blog.dronesense.com/archive/2024/03) - [February 2024 (1)](https://blog.dronesense.com/archive/2024/02) - [January 2024 (2)](https://blog.dronesense.com/archive/2024/01) - [November 2023 (2)](https://blog.dronesense.com/archive/2023/11) - [October 2023 (4)](https://blog.dronesense.com/archive/2023/10) - [September 2023 (2)](https://blog.dronesense.com/archive/2023/09) - [August 2023 (4)](https://blog.dronesense.com/archive/2023/08) - [July 2023 (4)](https://blog.dronesense.com/archive/2023/07) - [April 2023 (1)](https://blog.dronesense.com/archive/2023/04) - [February 2023 (1)](https://blog.dronesense.com/archive/2023/02) - [November 2022 (1)](https://blog.dronesense.com/archive/2022/11) - [June 2022 (1)](https://blog.dronesense.com/archive/2022/06) - [April 2022 (1)](https://blog.dronesense.com/archive/2022/04) - [September 2021 (1)](https://blog.dronesense.com/archive/2021/09) - [July 2021 (1)](https://blog.dronesense.com/archive/2021/07) - [June 2021 (2)](https://blog.dronesense.com/archive/2021/06) - [March 2021 (1)](https://blog.dronesense.com/archive/2021/03) - [March 2020 (1)](https://blog.dronesense.com/archive/2020/03) - [February 2020 (1)](https://blog.dronesense.com/archive/2020/02) - [August 2016 (1)](https://blog.dronesense.com/archive/2016/08) See all [![DS VTM Logo Horizontal - Color Light (2)](https://blog.dronesense.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DS%20VTM%20Logo%20Horizontal%20-%20Color%20Light%20(2).png?width=489&height=100&name=DS%20VTM%20Logo%20Horizontal%20-%20Color%20Light%20(2).png "DS VTM Logo Horizontal - Color Light (2)")](https://blog.dronesense.com/) #### [contact@dronesense.com](mailto:hello@dronsense.com) 512.582.0444 **UEI: ZMUKS3BNZJE3** Who We Serve - [Law Enforcement](https://www.dronesense.com/law-enforcement) - [Fire & Rescue](https://www.dronesense.com/fire-and-rescue) - [Emergency Management](https://www.dronesense.com/emergency-management) Product - [Tactical Operations](https://www.dronesense.com/platform) - [Remote Operations](https://www.dronesense.com/drone-as-first-responder) - [Response Team](https://www.dronesense.com/response-team) Company - [About Us](https://www.dronesense.com/about-us) - [Join Us](https://www.dronesense.com/join-us) Resources - [Support](https://support.dronesense.com/hc/en-us) - [Training](https://support.dronesense.com/hc/en-us/articles/17522386017037-DroneSense-Academy) - [Service Level Agreement](https://www.dronesense.com/service-level-agreement) - [Terms & Conditions](https://www.dronesense.com/terms-and-conditions) - [How to Login](https://support.dronesense.com/hc/en-us/articles/47378609334029-DroneSense-Login-Addresses) Partners - [Partners](https://www.dronesense.com/partners) ©2026 DroneSense is a property of Versaterm - [Privacy Policy](https://www.dronesense.com/privacy-policy) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "DroneSense", "url" : "https://blog.dronesense.com/author/dronesense-1" }, "dateModified" : "2025-05-21T18:16:16.917Z", "datePublished" : "2025-05-19T21:55:24.000Z", "headline" : "Built on Experience: SAR Intelligence, Now Embedded in DroneSense", "image" : [ "https://blog.dronesense.com/hubfs/01%20(5)-1.svg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.dronesense.com/sar-flight-patterns", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.dronesense.com/hubfs/prod%20images%20dont%20remove/ds_logo_horizontal.png" }, "name" : "DroneSense " } } ```