If you look at your compass at the top of the screen it tells you the distance between samples you have taken. Now, each type of plant has a different range for diversity (that I couldn't tell you) but >600M is a good bet for most things.
Yeah ranges from 150 to around 1000, Elite Observer with MattG's Bioinsights plugin will tell you when you have traveled far enough from the previous sample whether you are on foot, in the SRV or ship, makes it much easier because you don't have to keep testing everything with the scanner, just run/drive/fly in a straight line until it says you are far enough.
Like @varonica I can highly recommend the 3rd Party tool "Elite Observatory" with the BioInsights Plugin. You will get audio and visible information, if you have traveled far enogh to get the next sample.
But in generally, yes, you are right. The ingame mechanics are lacking in these points and there need to be a lot more effort.
But in generally, yes, you are right. The ingame mechanics are lacking in these points and there need to be a lot more effort.
A pair of binoculars (with a range indicator) would be a nice addition for various types of gameplay including this.
I wonder if combat balance concerns are part of why it hasn't been implemented.
I wonder if combat balance concerns are part of why it hasn't been implemented.