Surface Mapping Efficiency

Probe Radius, Efficiency Bonuses & Body Geometry

Survey Profile

Signal Summary

DSS mapping is a small geometry puzzle. Each probe covers a surface patch, and the commander is rewarded for mapping the body within the efficiency target.

Body size, probe radius, approach angle, and placement discipline all change how quickly a survey turns into a clean mapped result.

DSSProbesEfficiency

Key Concepts

Probe radius - The effective surface coverage of each DSS probe after module and engineering effects.

Efficiency target - The probe-count threshold for earning the efficiency bonus on a body.

Body geometry - Larger worlds and awkward approach positions require more deliberate placement.

Overlap control - Excessive overlap wastes probes; clean spacing maps more surface per launch.

Field Notes

A common pattern is to place probes around the limb, then fill visible gaps rather than firing at the centre repeatedly.

Small bodies can be mapped quickly, while large worlds reward patience and clean angles.

Efficiency is useful, but it should not override safety near high gravity worlds or awkward orbital approaches.

Reference

Signal	Value	Use
Reward	Efficiency bonus	Granted when mapping within the target probe count.
Constraint	Surface coverage	Probes must cover the complete body.
Skill	Placement	Good spacing reduces wasted overlap.