Reconing

Reconing, or reconnaissance, is the practice of gathering information about a target area, force, or situation to inform decision making. The term reconing is an informal variant of reconnaissance and may appear as reconing, reconning, or recon in different communities. In formal writing, reconnaissance is the standard term.

In military doctrine, reconnaissance aims to obtain knowledge of terrain, enemy dispositions, movement, and capabilities. It can be conducted by ground patrols, reconnaissance squads, aircrews, ships, or satellite programs. Modern recon combines traditional visual observation with unmanned aerial systems, image analysis, and signals intelligence. The resulting information supports planning, targeting, and risk mitigation.

In gaming and e-sports, reconing refers to scouting a map to reveal enemy positions, resources, and routes. It helps players decide where to advance, defend, or strike. Some games include dedicated recon units or abilities, while others rely on map exploration and line of sight mechanics.

In civilian contexts, reconnaissance is used for search and rescue, environmental surveying, disaster response, and infrastructure assessment. Techniques include field observation, photogrammetry, LiDAR, and open-source intelligence (OSINT) analysis, as well as sensor networks and data fusion.

Ethics and legality: reconnaissance operations may raise privacy, safety, and sovereignty concerns, especially when conducted without authorization or on critical facilities. Appropriate consent, legal compliance, and adherence to applicable rules of engagement are essential. Related terms include reconnaissance, recon, reconnoiter, and ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance).