Detailed Surface Scanner: Difference between revisions

Current answers. Practical procedures. Reliable reference.
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New reference page: entity linked from structured Engineer data (EDFM Engineer link-graph pass)
 
Expand Mining section pages and procedure integration
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{{Article header
{{Article header
  |eyebrow=EDFM // Module
  |eyebrow=EDFM // Module
  |deck=The optional internal module used to scan planetary and system bodies during exploration.
  |deck=The optional internal module used to scan planetary bodies and map rings for exploration and mining.
}}
}}


{{Article status|status=Needs review|mode=Both|version=Elite Dangerous, current Live and Legacy|reviewed=2026-08-20|reviewer=EDFM Engineer link-graph pass|source_quality=Well-established core mechanic, unchanged since launch; no citation-dependent figures asserted}}
{{Article status|status=Needs review|mode=Both|version=Elite Dangerous, current Live and Legacy|reviewed=2026-08-24|reviewer=Sythan|source_quality=Well-established core mechanic plus Mining-section link integration; no citation-dependent figures asserted}}


The '''Detailed Surface Scanner''' ('''DSS''') is an optional internal module used to scan planets, moons, rings, and other bodies within a system, revealing surface detail, geological and biological signal counts, and other body-specific information used for exploration data value and site-hunting.
The '''Detailed Surface Scanner''' ('''DSS''') is an optional internal module used to scan planets, moons, rings, and other bodies within a system, revealing surface detail, geological and biological signal counts, and other body-specific information used for exploration data value, site-hunting, and [[Mining|mining]] route planning.


== Overview ==
== Overview ==


Firing a Detailed Surface Scanner probe at a body — commonly called "honking" a body once mapped — reveals a fuller data set about it than the system-wide discovery scan alone provides, and is a prerequisite for locating specific surface points of interest. It is distinct from [[Sensors]], the core internal module governing general contact detection range.
Firing Detailed Surface Scanner probes at a body reveals a fuller data set than the system-wide discovery scan alone provides, and is a prerequisite for locating many body-specific points of interest. It is distinct from [[Sensors]], the core internal module governing general contact detection range.
 
== Mining role ==
 
For mining, the DSS is used to map [[Planetary Rings|planetary rings]] and reveal [[Mining Hotspot|mining hotspots]]. A hotspot marker helps commanders choose where to enter a ring for [[Laser Mining|laser]], [[Core Mining|core]], or [[Sub-surface Mining|sub-surface]] runs.
 
A hotspot is only a targeting aid. After dropping into the ring, commanders still need to prospect individual asteroids, extract with the correct equipment, collect fragments or deposits, refine cargo, and verify current sell prices.
 
Relevant procedures:
 
* [[How to Scan Planetary Rings for Mining Hotspots]]
* [[How to Find a Mining Hotspot]]
* [[How to Start Mining]]


== Engineering ==
== Engineering ==
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=== Related Engineering Guides ===
=== Related Engineering Guides ===
{{Related articles|[[Engineering]] [[Engineering Blueprints]] [[Exploration]]}}
{{Related articles|[[Engineering]] [[Engineering Blueprints]] [[Exploration]] [[Mining]] [[Planetary Rings]] [[Mining Hotspot]]}}


{{Engineering nav}}
{{Engineering nav}}
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[[Category:Optional Internal Engineering]]
[[Category:Optional Internal Engineering]]
[[Category:Engineering]]
[[Category:Engineering]]
[[Category:Mining]]

Revision as of 23:58, 23 August 2026

EDFM // Mining

The optional internal module used to scan planetary bodies and map rings for exploration and mining.

Needs review

Some information in this article still needs to be checked for accuracy.

Status
Needs review
Last reviewed
2026-08-24
Reviewer
Sythan
Game mode
Both
Version coverage
Elite Dangerous, current Live and Legacy
Source quality
Well-established core mechanic plus Mining-section link integration; no citation-dependent figures asserted
Known uncertainty
none noted

The Detailed Surface Scanner (DSS) is an optional internal module used to scan planets, moons, rings, and other bodies within a system, revealing surface detail, geological and biological signal counts, and other body-specific information used for exploration data value, site-hunting, and mining route planning.

Overview

Firing Detailed Surface Scanner probes at a body reveals a fuller data set than the system-wide discovery scan alone provides, and is a prerequisite for locating many body-specific points of interest. It is distinct from Sensors, the core internal module governing general contact detection range.

Mining role

For mining, the DSS is used to map planetary rings and reveal mining hotspots. A hotspot marker helps commanders choose where to enter a ring for laser, core, or sub-surface runs.

A hotspot is only a targeting aid. After dropping into the ring, commanders still need to prospect individual asteroids, extract with the correct equipment, collect fragments or deposits, refine cargo, and verify current sell prices.

Relevant procedures:

Engineering

Engineer Maximum grade
Felicity Farseer Grade 3
Hera Tani Grade 5
Lei Cheung Grade 5

Both Hera Tani (at The Jet's Hole in Kuwemaki) and Lei Cheung (at Trader's Rest in Laksak) are EDFM's currently documented Grade 5 Detailed Surface Scanner Engineers.