As you scan all of these incredible planets in Starfield, you can collect research data from them about various resources, wildlife, and geological features. Once you've collected them in your inventory, you'll need to learn what to do with the research data in Starfield.
Some players may think that collecting survey data is just another achievement to accomplish in Starfield. However, beyond checking off the list of planets you've explored, you can put the full survey data you've collected to good use. Below we'll tell you how to do it!
Also, if you want to learn even more about the game, feel free to take a look at our guide on how to deal damage with jetpacks in Starfield. On top of that, we've got an article on how to get sealant in Starfield, make sure to check it out as well. We've also got an overall Starfield guides hub containing all the help you'll need in Bethesda's new game!
What does survey data do in Starfield?
Survey data is an item you'll get, containing details on each planet in Starfield, once you've 100% scanned everything at that location. Besides having fun by completing your data log of different planets, you can also earn good money after collecting survey data.
To do this, you just need to sell it! At first glance, it may seem like a fairly easy task, but there are pitfalls. For example, you may not know who you can sell your survey data to, or how to sell it in the most profitable way.
How to sell survey data in Starfield
To sell survey data, you first need to collect it for 100%. For this, you should scan all the resources, geographical features, wildlife, and plants. Once you have done all this, you get two ways to sell this data.
The easiest way is to sell your survey data to the Trade Authority, just like any other item. For this, you need to use any Trade Authority Vendor, for example, you can find them in Cydonia on Mars, or in New Atlantis on Jemison. However, keep in mind that this is not the best way, as you can earn much more using another method.
The second way is to sell survey data to special NPCs. There are only two of them in the game, and the first is called Phil Hill, whom you can find on Mars, in the city of Cyndonia. Just talk to him to sell data. He can offer a good number of credits, but keep in mind that he will only be able to buy survey data from inhabited planets.
The second one, Vladimir, can be found in the Alpha Centauri system, at a station orbiting Jemison called The Eye. You can get there for the first time at the beginning of the mission Into The Unknown, and will visit The Eye frequently during the main quest.
This option is the most profitable, as Vladimir offers the highest prices for any data. To sell it, just select the option "I've got some Survey Data for you" during the conversation, and you will be presented with a menu to select the data you can sell. Some players have complained that they don't see this phrase in the dialogue - if you encounter this problem, just end the conversation, walk away, and then talk to Vladimir again.
By the way, once you're done here, feel free to take a look at our article on how to turn on your flashlight in Starfield. For even more content, check out our guide on how to assign crew to ships and outposts in Starfield.