Surveying

Surveying
"Humanity now has access to untold alien worlds, and the ability to decipher all that data while on the ground has become an essential skillset."
Skill Tree	Science
Skill Tier	Novice (1)
Primary Utility	Exploration
Secondary Utilities	?
Related Backgrounds	Explorer, Homesteader, Pilgrim, Xenobiologist

Surveying is a Novice Science Skill. It grants the players additional flexibility in completing Planet Surveying.

Ranks

Rank	Challenge	Bonuses
1	Use the hand scanner to scan 10 unique resources, flora, or fauna.	Adds an optional zoom to the hand scanner, and scan distance is increased to 20 meters.
2	Use the hand scanner to scan 25 unique resources, flora, or fauna.	Adds another level of zoom to the hand scanner, and scan distance is increased to 30 meters.
3	Use the hand scanner to scan 50 unique resources, flora, or fauna.	Adds another level of zoom to the hand scanner, and scan distance is increased to 40 meters.
4	N/A	Adds another level of zoom to the hand scanner, and scan distance is increased to 50 meters.

Progression and Strategy

Surveying is easy to level: simply land on a random location and scan the planet until the player completes the challenges. Completed surveys are lucrative items for sale, and fully surveying a planet gives a chuck of experience. Therefore going after surveying may be a relatively low-risk way to gain credits and experience.

The Surveying skill can be a bit niche. It shines when the player would rather scan creatures from a distance rather than fight them, though fighting alien creatures can't always be avoided. Alternatively, the zoom can be used to scout enemies, but this won't help the player level the skill. If the player intends to go gung-ho shooter, Surveying could be almost useless. The player will usually have other skill unlock choices that are more versatile and impactful.