Surveying
Finding resources and scanning a planet takes time, and that’s where the Starfield Surveying skill lends a helping hand.
| Skill Categories | Science |
| Tier | 1 |
| Item Code | 0027CBC1 |
Starfield Surveying skill overview
The Starfield Surveying skill is a tier 1 skill in the Science skill tree. It, as with all Starfield skills, has 4 ranks, beginning at rank 1 and ending at rank 4. In order to progress up the Surveying skill tree, you will need to complete various skill challenges related to the skill in question, and increase your Starfield level to earn skill points. Each rank requires a skill point to unlock.
The Surveying skill adds a zoom option to the hand scanner. As this skill is upgraded more zoom levels are added and the scan distance is increased This skill is very beneficial as it allows you to scan flora, fauna and resources from increased distances.
In-game Surveying skill description
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.
The Surveying skill has the following ranks and stats:
Rank Rank Image Rank Effect Rank Challenge 1 
Adds an optional zoom to the hand scanner, and scan distance is increased to 20 meters. Use the hand scanner to scan 10 unique resources, flora or fauna. 2 
Adds another level of zoom to the hand scanner, and scan distance is increased to 30 meters. Use the hand scanner to scan 25 unique resources, flora or fauna. 3 
Adds another level of zoom to the hand scanner, and scan distance is increased to 40 meters. Use the hand scanner to scan 50 unique resources, flora or fauna. 4 
Adds another level of zoom to the hand scanner, and scan distance is increased to 50 meters. You have mastered this skill.
How to unlock Surveying console command
If you want to add the Surveying Starfield skill to your character without increasing your Starfield level or expending a skill point, simply open the Starfield console command window with the apostrophe (‘) or tilde (~) key and enter the following command:
player.addperk 0027CBC1
By repeating the player.addperk 0027CBC1 command, you can bypass the Surveying rank-up challenge and unlock the next rank. Entering the above command four times will unlock the rank 4 Surveying skill.
To remove the Surveying skill, you can use the following command:
player.removeperk 0027CBC1