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Tracking

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Tracking is simply the act of following evidence of another traveling creature.   Movement almost always leaves disturbance evidence behind, and lost humans are especially likely to leave behind evidence of their passage.  They leave tracks!  Some are footprints, but they often leave others, too.  Tent pressings, tire tracks, litter, and disturbances of Nature all provide indications.

Footprints, for their sequential nature, rank high as the tracking evidence that SAR workers seek.  Note all component dimensions (overall and heel print length, and width), tread type, and especially any distinctive tread  imperfections.  Use a standardized tracking form.

The tracking stick is an essential device.  A good one is at least 42" long, and has moveable markers that you adjust to 1) heel end, 2) heel front, 3) toe, and 4) next heel end.  With proper alignment and careful examination, a 90 degree sweep from an identifiable print in the direction of subject travel almost always reveals a next step of a subject.   

Finally, many search teams employ tracking dogs.  Some dogs specialize in air scenting, while others are ground trackers, but all rely on sensing odors that humans cannot distinguish.  Such odors are perishable, and it is easy to contaminate them to such an extent as to confuse the dog.

When you work with such teams it is imperative that you  1) avoid crossing tracks before the dogs can get to them, 2) that you remain downwind of the dogs whenever possible, and 3) that you cause no unnecessary distraction or interference with either the dogs or their handlers.