Tracking is the process of finding, identifying, and interpreting sign, which is any evidence of a person’s or animal’s passage. By analyzing sign—such as footprints, disturbed vegetation, or displaced objects—trained trackers can deduce direction of travel, movement patterns, and other information that informs search planning and operational decisions.

Ground Search Managers (GSMs) are responsible for the coordination and management of ground search operations. This includes developing search strategies, assigning tasks and search segments, coordinating team deployment, and ensuring that searches are conducted safely, efficiently, and in accordance with Incident Command System (ICS) principles.