Refined searching based on detected object configurations is provided by training a machine learning model to identify non-naturally occurring object configurations, acquiring images of an initial search area based on scanning it using a camera-equipped autonomous aerial vehicle operating in accordance with an initial automated flight plan defining the initial search area, analyzing the acquired images using the trained machine learning model and identifying that an object configuration is a non-naturally occurring object configuration, then based on identifying the non-naturally occurring object configuration, refining the initial automated flight plan to obtain a modified automated flight plan defining a different search area as compared to the initial search area, and initiating autonomous aerial scanning of the different search area in accordance with the modified automated flight plan.