"To survey the area" means to carefully observe and examine a particular place or space to gather information or get a better understanding of its features, conditions, or characteristics. Full definition
These extremely intense explosions are harmful to marine life, and whales are known to avoid or abandon survey areas. (sciencedaily.com)
The first results come from only 7 % of the final survey area and concentrate on mapping the distribution of dark matter in groups of galaxies. (sciencedaily.com)
You start by surveying each area with a mobile scanning device that tracks the number of enemies that are present. (thekoalition.com)