how to switch from jpg map to grid based map?

Hello people,

I have a question regarding Search and Rescue applications. It is likely that in such urgent cases we have some map of an area, like a small urban area with buildings or a river close to it. Then if we are looking for victims, we would desire to interpret that data to grid map with cells of different priority . I was wondering if somebody has done it before and if it is possible to do this with Matlab . For example, depending on the map (ie. jpeg file) be able to assign different gains to specific areas that need to be treated first ( ie. send some rescue team). It seems that in scientific reports people use some probabilistic functions but how can somebody apply these models? Are they realistic? If we apply this at different environment how can somebody track fast the areas of high interest? Any idea what Civil service authorities use? Is it possible to do it with some toolbox, or is it a big field of research? I would very much appreciate any ideas ! Thank you very much in advance !

[Walter Roberson]

This is one of the few postings in which "urgent" is used properly.