The base map and overlays are used in managing a search by graphically tracking progress, resource allocation, and results. Standard symbols and markings allow a person to visually scan the map to obtain the status of the search without the need for a briefing or reading search documents.

Overlays are used for symbols which are likely to change during the search, that will cover other symbols or base map features, to prevent marking the base map, and to avoid too many markings at one time.

The symbols and colors have been chosen to be compatible with the symbols defined in Incident Command System Field Operations Guide ICS-420. This compatibility is either exact (for example, incident command post) or functional (for example, search area boundaries).

1.1 This practice covers the symbols and markings to be used with land search maps to show resources, search coverage, status, and results.

1.2 Operational usage of these symbols and markings, the resources they represent, and maps are not included in this practice.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.