Electronically tracking a path history

A tracking device, comprising:

• a processor;
• a display screen for outputting a visually displayed geographic map;
• memory storing computer executable instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the tracking device to perform a method for electronically tracking a historical path, said method comprising:
• (a) determining a geographic region to be monitored by the tracking device and displaying the region on the visually displayed geographic map;
• (b) monitoring, at regular intervals, a location of the tracking device as it is carried by a team covering the assigned region;
• and
• (c) updating the visually displayed geographic map with a historical path corresponding to the monitored locations of the tracking device.

A computer system, comprising:

• a processor controlling overall operation of the system;
• a display device that outputs a visual depiction of a geographic map of a search area;
• memory storing computer executable instructions for performing a method for tracking a history of search patterns of a search and rescue operation, said method comprising:
• (a) establishing the search area based on a point of disappearance;
• (b) dividing the search area into a plurality of regions;
• (c) assigning each region to one of a plurality of search teams, wherein each search team is associated with a tracking device;
• (d) monitoring a location of each tracking device as each search team searches its assigned region;
• (e) updating on the visual depiction of the geographic map of the search area a search trail associated with each search tracking device based on the monitored location of each tracking device in step (d);
• (f) receiving user input indicating that a missing person has been found prior to searching the entire assigned region;
• and
• (g) automatically sending a message to a server based on step (f), including a location in which the missing person was found.