Wedge Problem
Definition
Inherent flaw of wheel search: as spokes radiate outward, the unsearched gap between adjacent spokes widens with distance from the centre.
- Search pattern affected
- Wheel (spoke) search
- Nature of flaw
- Unsearched gap widens with distance from centre
- Cause
- Spokes radiate outward at fixed angular spacing
- Mitigation
- Combine with a perimeter or grid pass, or add more spokes
Common questions
Why does the wedge problem make wheel search unsuitable for large outdoor scenes on its own?+
Because the angular gap between spokes translates into a growing linear distance the farther a searcher moves from the hub, small items near the scene perimeter can fall entirely between spoke paths and be missed.
How do search teams compensate for the wedge problem in practice?+
Teams commonly narrow the spoke spacing near the centre, add supplementary concentric sweeps, or switch to a grid or strip pattern for the outer portion of a large scene where the unsearched wedges become largest.
Related terms
- Centrifugal Spiral
- Spiral that starts at the centre of the scene (usually the body) and moves outward. Preferred when the central evidence is fragile...
- Centripetal Spiral
- Spiral that starts at the perimeter and moves inward toward the focus. Preferred when perimeter evidence is at risk from weather or...
- Search Pattern
- The systematic geometric route walked by a dog handler to ensure uniform coverage of the search area. Standard patterns include the ladder...
- Zone Overlap
- An explicit protocol requirement that adjacent zones share their boundaries so evidence on the line isn't missed by both teams.