Abstract: An exemplary inventive optimization model delineates a three-dimensional geometric environment for situation therein of electromagnetic sources and an electromagnetic sensor array used for measuring electric and magnetic fields emanating from the electromagnetic sources. Based on measurements and computations relating to electrical, magnetic, and structural physical properties, the geometric environment is stratified into air, sea, and seafloor regions as well as into electromagnetically distinct zones. The design of the electromagnetic sensor array is optimized through an iterative process involving successive determinations as to how well the electric and magnetic fields emanating from the electromagnetic sources may be calculated based on measurements taken in the geometric environment by the electromagnetic sensor array. Every instance of the electromagnetic sensor array in the iterative process is uniquely located and/or uniquely configured vis-à-vis every other instance.