skorotkiewicz/signal-in-the-dark: What is more effective? A 3D simulator of finding someone in the dark – shine the light on yourself or on them? · GitHub

A one-page Three.js experiment comparing two simplified strategies:

• Sweep searchlight: the rescuer moves through an expanding search pattern and must illuminate the missing person.
• Raise beacon: the rescuer stays put while a mobile missing person tries to recognize and approach an omnidirectional light.

cd signal-in-the-dark
python3 -m http.server 8080

Open http://localhost:8080.

The page imports Three.js from a pinned CDN URL, so the first load needs internet access.

Use the presets first:

• Mobile hiker usually favors the beacon.
• Injured makes the stationary beacon ineffective because the missing person cannot approach it.
• Dense forest increases line-of-sight occlusion and can produce mixed results.

Run the Monte Carlo comparison after each change. Both strategies receive the same random worlds and starting positions.

This is a conceptual toy model, not validated search-and-rescue guidance. It intentionally isolates a few variables and omits weather, terrain elevation, batteries, sound, radios, group behavior, panic, injuries, and official rescue protocols.