Exploring in order to gain information "scouting in enemy territory is very dangerous" - exploratory survey, reconnoitering [N. Amer], reconnoitring [Brit, Cdn]
Verb: scoutskawt
Explore, often with the goal of finding something or somebody - reconnoiter [US], reconnoitre [Brit, Cdn]
Derived forms: scoutings
See also: scouter
Type of: observe, recon [N. Amer], reconnaissance, reconnaissance mission