Cellular Communications-based Detection to Estimate Location of Victims Post-Disaster

The finding of victims in disaster-affected areas can be performed by detecting the presence of mobile devices in the area by assuming that the victims are not far away from the detected devices. This paper aims to develop a victim searching system (VSS) in disaster areas using open-source cellular implementation software, such that mobile devices within the coverage of VSS can be automatically detected and lead rescuer to the victim. We also propose a technique to estimate the location of the victim with minimum error. In addition, we also identify the users based on mobile device identity for the purpose of updating the list of victims.