reconnoissance

Example:The scouts were sent out for a scouting mission to identify the safest path through the forest.

Definition:an activity of exploring an area to gather information or as a preliminary to a planned movement, operation, or campaign.

Example:The command ordered a series of recons to better understand the enemy's position.

Definition:short for reconnaissance, involving the act of gathering information on the enemy or a target area.

Example:Security for the event included a team of surveillance experts.

Definition:the monitoring or observation of an individual, group, area, etc. often for the purpose of gathering information, particularly for security reasons.