The "Travelling Salesman" algorithm still hasn't been solved. OK, the solution is close to being efficient, but it still remains one of those algorithms that needs to be solved and proved. If it was possible to be able to mark each planet in turn and then apply an algorithm to give you the best order in which to survey would be good, but sadly we cannot do that.
Once I have scanned the closest bodies around the first major sun, if I am travelling in a certain direction, I will often fly out to others in that direction, (assuming the distance is less than say 5k), and then work my way around plane. This is usually much faster than simply going to the closest in the list, which can often keep you going backwards and forwards across the sun which is inefficient.
I will usually leave those bodies that are very distant till last, and will then make a coffee whilst travelling towards that object. I think I would consider myself a "Mapper" and will often scan a whole system rather than cherry pick. When one has the tele on and having a relaxing session, those bodies that way out there, are not so much of a problem. It also gives a little time to play with the spread sheet and keep it updated. Also, sometimes I will go into the galaxy map and check for odd stars that may be worth diverting too, so the time is never wasted.
Kitty
