Planetary survey



A planetary survey is the scientific study of a planet for colonization, resources, or to gain knowledge of the planet's culture and society. Such a study is generally conducted by a survey team. The findings of the survey are usually summarized in a planetary survey report. 

The crew of the NX-01 Enterprise conducted their first planetary survey on what would become known as Archer IV in 2151. The planet was initially deemed uninhabitable due to the presence of a toxic pollen, but this issue was rectified by the 23rd century. 

In the same year, the planetary survey of the Akaali homeworld by Enterprise comprised of geology, an equatorial scan, mineralogy, a seismic scan and a geothermal scan. 

James T. Kirk commanded his first planetary survey, on Neural, in 2254. He found the planet to contain a primitive but promising culture and recommended that Starfleet no longer interfere with its development. 

In 2267, the crew of the USS Exeter (NCC-1672) conducted a planetary survey of Omega IV, during which they unknowingly contracted a virus. 

In 2370, Benjamin Sisko took his son, Jake, to the Gamma Quadrant to conduct a planetary survey for a science project. They choose a Class M planet to study, but the project is interupted by an encounter with the Jem'Hadar and a Vorta named Eris. 

In 2373, an away team from Deep Space 9 conducted a survey of Torga IV to determine whether or not a mining operation to extract deposits of cormaline could be established. It was during this survey that they discovered a Jem'Hadar attack ship which had crashed on the planet. 

In 2376, Lieutenant jg B'Elanna Torres was to lead an away team on a planetary survey before the USS Voyager was intercepted by Hierarchy vessels.