Predictions for afterglows detected in surveys in the Universal Structured Jet Model

Future large surveys, especially in optical and radio bands, bring the hope to finally detect gamma-ray bursts (GRB) afterglows independently of a prompt trigger in the γ-ray band. This may help in pinning down the jet geometry and structure, which have proven difficult to determine via early afterglow observations and especially achromatic breaks. These searches can constrain to the GRB total energy distribution and the luminosity function. We assess the detectability of afterglows in the context of a Universal Structured Jet model. We present our predictions for past and planned surveys. We find that X-ray surveys are poor tools for afterglows searches, if the jet is structured. On the other hand, the FIRST radio survey and future instruments like the radio Allen Telescope Array and especially GAIA and Pan-Starrs in the optical band will have excellent chances of detection.