Feasibility study of mobile phone WiFi detection in aerial search and rescue operations

Abstract

In this paper, we show that it is feasible for a mobile phone to be used as an SOS beacon in an aerial search and rescue operation. We show with various experiments that we can reliably detect WiFi-enabled mobile phones from the air at distances up to 200 m. By using a custom mobile application that triggers WiFi scanning with the display off, we can simultaneously extend battery life and increase WiFi scanning frequency, compared to keeping the phone in the default scanning mode. Even if an application is not installed or used, our measurement study suggests that it may be possible to detect mobile devices from their background WiFi emissions alone.