A method and system for a directed area search using cognitive swarm vision and cognitive Bayesian reasoning is disclosed. The system comprises a domain knowledge database, a top-down reasoning module, and a bottom-up module. The domain knowledge database is configured to store Bayesian network models comprising visual features and observables associated with various sets of entities. The top-down module is configured to receive a search goal, generate a plan of action using Bayesian network models, and partition the plan into a set of tasks/observables to be located in the imagery. The bottom-up module is configured to select relevant feature/attention models for the observables, and search the visual imagery using a cognitive swarm for the at least one observable. The system further provides for operator feedback and updating of the domain knowledge database to perform better future searches.