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Long range scan mode (shift 3) is only needed very infrequently to reveal objects in large distances. Send a pulse by holding down the secondary launch button (L by default) for 2 seconds (not longer not shorter) to get the best effect. Check then for the ring "echoes" and for questionmarks on your map!

Building

How do I claim a plot?

The map has a special mode for plot management under this icon:

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Here you can create new plots, pieces of space that you reserve for building your own stations.  You can create a plot without paying anything, but this may be seen as an offence by the local owning faction as soon as you start building. For that the claiming comes with a price. This price (shown at the side of the menu before confirming the plot, depends on the location (remote areas are cheaper) and on the size. 

How do I get blueprints?

Blueprints are often found when scanning data leaks on station modules. A leak would then always reveal the blueprint for that station module you find it at.  You can also provoke data leaks (see hacking).

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