The theory of optimal search was first developed by B.O. Koopman, Search and Screening. A simplified and very accessible text The Theory of Search by Jack Frost is available in Microsoft Word format from Martin Colwell's SAR library. That work explains primarily maritime search planning.
Frost's articles (and many other search-related items) are available at:
http://www.sarinfo.bc.ca/Library/Pla...bPlanning.html
Enjoy!
