UFO Detection - Revision history

Magic9mushroom: /* Detection Ranges */ Travelling craft don't detect bases.

2018-06-20T11:54:32Z

Detection Ranges: Travelling craft don't detect bases.

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:54, 20 June 2018
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	Once detected, UFOs/Alien Subs remain visible until they leave the Earth's atmosphere or travel outside the detection radius of all available radars. The half-hour check for detection applies to tracking as well, so aliens may travel far outside your radar coverage before disappearing from the screen. This is especially true for fast-moving ships, which can travel as much as 2500 nm between updates. However, a UFO that leaves the atmosphere (or Alien Sub that dives too deep) will disappear immediately.		Once detected, UFOs/Alien Subs remain visible until they leave the Earth's atmosphere or travel outside the detection radius of all available radars. The half-hour check for detection applies to tracking as well, so aliens may travel far outside your radar coverage before disappearing from the screen. This is especially true for fast-moving ships, which can travel as much as 2500 nm between updates. However, a UFO that leaves the atmosphere (or Alien Sub that dives too deep) will disappear immediately.

	Alien Bases can only be detected by ~~traveling/~~patrolling X-COM aircraft (or sometimes by X-COM agent reports at the end of each month). The maximum detection range is 1500nm from the aircraft and the chance of detection appears to decrease with distance. The longer a craft is left patrolling in one area, the more likely it will be to discover all bases nearby.		Alien Bases can only be detected by patrolling X-COM aircraft (or sometimes by X-COM agent reports at the end of each month). The maximum detection range is 1500nm from the aircraft and the chance of detection appears to decrease with distance. The longer a craft is left patrolling in one area, the more likely it will be to discover all bases nearby.

	====Radar Range Overlay====		====Radar Range Overlay====

Hobbes: categorizing

2013-07-23T02:34:45Z

categorizing

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:34, 23 July 2013
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	[[Category:Game Mechanics]]		[[Category:Game Mechanics]]
			[[Category:Enemy Unknown/UFO Defense]]

Agent Trunk at 15:36, 26 June 2012

2012-06-26T15:36:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:36, 26 June 2012
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	No matter how wide or powerful your detection network eventually becomes, if you ever find yourself going through any quiet lengths of time where little to no alien activity is picked up, you should make a habit of checking the graphs. Though they will not provide you with exact locations, you will still get a good indication of the region that needs to be patrolled.		No matter how wide or powerful your detection network eventually becomes, if you ever find yourself going through any quiet lengths of time where little to no alien activity is picked up, you should make a habit of checking the graphs. Though they will not provide you with exact locations, you will still get a good indication of the region that needs to be patrolled.

			[[Category:Game Mechanics]]

Magic9mushroom: Part of the big move.

2012-02-05T05:54:27Z

Part of the big move.

Lobster Dan: /* Detection Facilities */

2011-01-26T21:06:11Z

Detection Facilities

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:06, 26 January 2011
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	Your first base starts out with a Small Radar/Sonar; you can choose to add a Large version as well, which will take 25 days to build. Both types can also be added to any other base you establish. Due to a [[Known_Bugs#Radar_Stacking\|bug]] in the game, additional Radars/Sonars at the same base (beyond 1 Small plus 1 Large) have no additional effect on detection.		Your first base starts out with a Small Radar/Sonar; you can choose to add a Large version as well, which will take 25 days to build. Both types can also be added to any other base you establish. Due to a [[Known_Bugs#Radar_Stacking\|bug]] in the game, additional Radars/Sonars at the same base (beyond 1 Small plus 1 Large) have no additional effect on detection.

	Hyper-Wave Decoders/Transmission Resolvers can only be built after you have ~~captured an alien Navigator.~~ [[~~Research~~]]~~ing the~~ navigator ~~unlocks a the base module topic; after~~ it is researched, you can build these enhanced facilities at any of your bases.		Hyper-Wave Decoders/Transmission Resolvers can only be built after you have done the proper [[research]] in each game; in EU, you must interrogate a captured navigator. In TFTD, you need to research Magnetic Navigation first. After it is researched, you can build these enhanced facilities at any of your bases.

	===Detection Ranges===		===Detection Ranges===

NKF: /* UFO Activity Graph */ elaborated 'MUFON'

2011-01-23T10:29:50Z

UFO Activity Graph: elaborated 'MUFON'

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:29, 23 January 2011
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	==UFO Activity Graph==		==UFO Activity Graph==

	Finally, the UFO/USO activity graphs, accessed from the Geoscape, can act as a sort of "MUFON" (a civilian group dedicated to the observation of UFOs/USOs), allowing you to see activity that your radars/sonars cannot.		Finally, the UFO/USO activity graphs, accessed from the Geoscape, can act as a sort of "MUFON" (''M''utual ''UFO N''etwork: a civilian group dedicated to the observation of UFOs/USOs), allowing you to see activity that your radars/sonars cannot.

	Turn on all the specific areas/seas and countries/zones and check them periodically. If one of the lines for the current month has changed, that means alien activity is occurring there. The country/zone graph usually provides more useful info than the area graph, though you should check both periodically. On occasion the area graph reports activity that is not reflected on the country graph -- in that case, keep an eye on it since more activity is likely to folllow.		Turn on all the specific areas/seas and countries/zones and check them periodically. If one of the lines for the current month has changed, that means alien activity is occurring there. The country/zone graph usually provides more useful info than the area graph, though you should check both periodically. On occasion the area graph reports activity that is not reflected on the country graph -- in that case, keep an eye on it since more activity is likely to folllow.

Ethereal Cereal: /* UFO Activity Graph */ rewriting this section

2011-01-23T08:02:45Z

UFO Activity Graph: rewriting this section

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:02, 23 January 2011
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	==UFO Activity Graph==		==UFO Activity Graph==

	Finally, the UFO/USO activity graphs can act as a sort of "MUFON" (a civilian group dedicated to the observation of UFOs/USOs), allowing you to see activity that your radars/sonars cannot~~. The graphs are updated every 30 minutes, on the half hour~~.		Finally, the UFO/USO activity graphs, accessed from the Geoscape, can act as a sort of "MUFON" (a civilian group dedicated to the observation of UFOs/USOs), allowing you to see activity that your radars/sonars cannot.

	~~These in-game graphs, accessed from~~ the ~~GeoScape, can be used to suggest the regions~~/seas and countries/zones ~~where aliens are currently active~~. ~~Look~~ for ~~any increase in activity~~, ~~but particularly for recent peaks in the graph and higher values~~ that ~~other regions/countries. It helps to cross reference countries/zones vs regions/seas, this can give you a slightly more accurate picture of where the~~ alien activity is ~~happening~~. ~~Aircraft~~/~~subs can then be sent to these areas to confirm alien activity by detecting~~ the ~~alien ships. Be aware that alien mission priorities can change from one month to the next~~, ~~so be sure~~ you ~~use current data~~. ~~Even during~~ the ~~month,~~ the ~~Graphs are always backward looking~~, ~~but at least you can hope that alien intentions and targets are~~ more ~~or less constant during the current month~~.		Turn on all the specific areas/seas and countries/zones and check them periodically. If one of the lines for the current month has changed, that means alien activity is occurring there. The country/zone graph usually provides more useful info than the area graph, though you should check both periodically. On occasion the area graph reports activity that is not reflected on the country graph -- in that case, keep an eye on it since more activity is likely to folllow.

	~~When~~ checking the ~~graphs~~, ~~check~~ the ~~Totals~~ first, ~~for Activity by Regions~~/~~Seas~~ and ~~by Countries/Zones. Only if the Totals have changed from~~ the ~~previous day do you need to drill down into the individual~~ graphs~~. Just as well~~, ~~since drilling down can be quite tedious. And if your memory is not great~~ you ~~might want to record the Totals~~, ~~as well as~~ the ~~individual values, each time they change. This is tedious paperwork but at least it doesn't cost you any cash~~.		The graphs are updated every half hour. Although tedious, checking them every 3-6 hours can give you enough time to detect and intercept a UFO/USO while it is still on Earth. Using this method, it's possible to play the game with no radars/sonars, at least for the first few months. After that, UFO/USO activity becomes too intense and the graphs lose their resolution, but by that time you should have decoders/resolvers already built, or on the way.

	It's ~~possible~~ to ~~play the game with no radars/sonars if you want~~, ~~and if~~ you ~~see an upward blip on a graph, send interception craft. This worldwide coverage~~ can ~~be easily used this way for~~ the ~~first few months. After that, UFO/USO~~ activity ~~becomes too intense~~ and the ~~graphs lose their resolution, but by that~~ time you ~~should aim to have decoders/resolvers already built, or on the way~~.		Be sure to only look at the current month's activity when trying to track current UFO activity. To make it easier to spot changes, you can write down the activity figures for each area and compare them with the current figures any time you think they've changed.

	The ~~graph is of particular use~~ for discovering where ~~alien bases~~ have been built~~; these locations always show~~ a ~~very high degree~~ of ~~alien activity~~. Note that these graphs are actually showing the [[Scoring#Alien_Scoring\|aliens' score]]; this is why even later in the game it will be possible to see where the aliens are being able to complete missions, even if individual UFO/USO flight plans will be swamped.		Checking the graphs less often will not allow you to do realtime interceptions, but it will tell you where to expect trouble, as scout activity always precedes larger craft on a related mission. The graphs are especially useful for discovering where [[Alien Base]]s have been built, as they generate frequent [[Supply Ship]] activity. Knowing where the aliens have been focusing their attention also gives you a good indication of where to build additional [[X-COM Bases]].

			Note that these graphs are actually showing the [[Scoring#Alien_Scoring\|aliens' score]]; this is why even later in the game it will be possible to see where the aliens are being able to complete missions, even if individual UFO/USO flight plans will be swamped.

	No matter how wide or powerful your detection network eventually becomes, if you ever find yourself going through any quiet lengths of time where little to no alien activity is picked up, you should make a habit of checking the graphs. Though they will not provide you with exact locations, you will still get a good indication of the region that needs to be patrolled.		No matter how wide or powerful your detection network eventually becomes, if you ever find yourself going through any quiet lengths of time where little to no alien activity is picked up, you should make a habit of checking the graphs. Though they will not provide you with exact locations, you will still get a good indication of the region that needs to be patrolled.

Spike: /* How Radars Function */

2010-10-28T17:09:27Z

How Radars Function

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:09, 28 October 2010
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	Hyper-Wave Decoders/Transmission Resolvers have a 100% chance of detecting any enemy ships within their range. Given their superior range and detection abilities, these make the other detection types unnecessary. If you have Small or Large Radars/Sonars in a base which also has a decoder/resolver, you can dismantle them.		Hyper-Wave Decoders/Transmission Resolvers have a 100% chance of detecting any enemy ships within their range. Given their superior range and detection abilities, these make the other detection types unnecessary. If you have Small or Large Radars/Sonars in a base which also has a decoder/resolver, you can dismantle them.

	"Normal" radars/sonars reveal the approximate size, altitude, heading, and speed of aliens within range. Hyper-Wave Decoders/Transmission Resolvers display the exact craft type, the alien race onboard, what type of mission the craft is on, and where the mission is to be performed.		"Normal" radars/sonars reveal the approximate size, altitude, heading, and speed of aliens within range. Hyper-Wave Decoders/Transmission Resolvers also display the exact craft type, the alien race onboard, what type of mission the craft is on, and where the mission is to be performed.

	<gallery widths="200px" heights="150px">		<gallery widths="200px" heights="150px">

Spike: /* UFO Activity Graph */ expanded techniques for micro management of graph based detection

2010-09-29T16:56:49Z

UFO Activity Graph: expanded techniques for micro management of graph based detection

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:56, 29 September 2010
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	Finally, the UFO/USO activity graphs can act as a sort of "MUFON" (a civilian group dedicated to the observation of UFOs/USOs), allowing you to see activity that your radars/sonars cannot. The graphs are updated every 30 minutes, on the half hour.		Finally, the UFO/USO activity graphs can act as a sort of "MUFON" (a civilian group dedicated to the observation of UFOs/USOs), allowing you to see activity that your radars/sonars cannot. The graphs are updated every 30 minutes, on the half hour.

	These in-game graphs, accessed from the GeoScape, can be used to suggest the regions and countries where aliens are currently active. Look for any ~~non-zero~~ activity, but particularly for peaks in the graph and higher values that other regions/countries. Aircraft/subs can then be sent to these areas to confirm alien activity by detecting the alien ships. Be aware that alien mission priorities can change from one month to the next, so be sure you use current data.		These in-game graphs, accessed from the GeoScape, can be used to suggest the regions/seas and countries/zones where aliens are currently active. Look for any increase in activity, but particularly for recent peaks in the graph and higher values that other regions/countries. It helps to cross reference countries/zones vs regions/seas, this can give you a slightly more accurate picture of where the alien activity is happening. Aircraft/subs can then be sent to these areas to confirm alien activity by detecting the alien ships. Be aware that alien mission priorities can change from one month to the next, so be sure you use current data. Even during the month, the Graphs are always backward looking, but at least you can hope that alien intentions and targets are more or less constant during the current month.

	~~You could even~~ check the graphs ~~every so often and build zero~~ radars if you ~~wanted~~, and if you see a ~~blip~~, send interception craft. This worldwide coverage can be easily used this way for the first few months. After that, UFO/USO activity becomes too intense and the graphs lose their resolution, but by that time you should aim to have decoders/resolvers already built, or on the way.		When checking the graphs, check the Totals first, for Activity by Regions/Seas and by Countries/Zones. Only if the Totals have changed from the previous day do you need to drill down into the individual graphs. Just as well, since drilling down can be quite tedious. And if your memory is not great you might want to record the Totals, as well as the individual values, each time they change. This is tedious paperwork but at least it doesn't cost you any cash.

			It's possible to play the game with no radars/sonars if you want, and if you see an upward blip on a graph, send interception craft. This worldwide coverage can be easily used this way for the first few months. After that, UFO/USO activity becomes too intense and the graphs lose their resolution, but by that time you should aim to have decoders/resolvers already built, or on the way.

	The graph is of particular use for discovering where alien bases have been built; these locations always show a very high degree of alien activity. Note that these graphs are actually showing the [[Scoring#Alien_Scoring\|aliens' score]]; this is why even later in the game it will be possible to see where the aliens are being able to complete missions, even if individual UFO/USO flight plans will be swamped.		The graph is of particular use for discovering where alien bases have been built; these locations always show a very high degree of alien activity. Note that these graphs are actually showing the [[Scoring#Alien_Scoring\|aliens' score]]; this is why even later in the game it will be possible to see where the aliens are being able to complete missions, even if individual UFO/USO flight plans will be swamped.

	No matter how wide or powerful your ~~radar~~ network eventually becomes, if you ever find yourself going through any quiet lengths of time where little to no alien activity is picked up, you should make a habit of checking the graphs. Though they will not provide you with exact locations, you will still get a good indication of the region that needs to be patrolled.		No matter how wide or powerful your detection network eventually becomes, if you ever find yourself going through any quiet lengths of time where little to no alien activity is picked up, you should make a habit of checking the graphs. Though they will not provide you with exact locations, you will still get a good indication of the region that needs to be patrolled.

SupSuper at 14:00, 3 September 2010

2010-09-03T14:00:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:00, 3 September 2010
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	Alien craft regularly enter and leave the Earth's atmosphere (in [[X-COM\|UFO) or traverse in and out of the deeper reaches of the ocean (in [[TFTD]]). In order to prevent them from carrying out their missions, you [[UFO Interception\|shoot them down]] or [[UFO Ground Assault\|assault them while grounded]]. However, in order to perform either of these tasks, you must first spot them, which requires some types of '''UFO Detection''' equipment, either in your bases or using your [[craft]]/[[Subs\|sub]] radar.		Alien craft regularly enter and leave the Earth's atmosphere (in [[X-COM\|UFO]]) or traverse in and out of the deeper reaches of the ocean (in [[TFTD]]). In order to prevent them from carrying out their missions, you [[UFO Interception\|shoot them down]] or [[UFO Ground Assault\|assault them while grounded]]. However, in order to perform either of these tasks, you must first spot them, which requires some types of '''UFO Detection''' equipment, either in your bases or using your [[craft]]/[[Subs\|sub]] radar.

	==Detection Facilities==		==Detection Facilities==

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:54, 5 February 2012
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	==Detection Facilities==		==Detection Facilities==

	Three types of UFO/~~USO~~ detectors can be built on your bases:		Three types of UFO/Alien Sub detectors can be built on your bases:

	*[[Small Radar System]]s/[[Standard Sonar]] have a range of 300 nautical miles (nm) according to the [[UFOpaedia]]. However, this figure is too short by a factor of five. The Official Strategy Guide gives the figure as 1500 nm, which matches game files and what has been observed in-game.		*[[Small Radar System]]s/[[Standard Sonar]] have a range of 300 nautical miles (nm) according to the [[UFOpaedia]]. However, this figure is too short by a factor of five. The Official Strategy Guide gives the figure as 1500 nm, which matches game files and what has been observed in-game.
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	*Red = Detection range of a Hyper-Wave Decoder/Transmission Resolver (4800nm diameter)		*Red = Detection range of a Hyper-Wave Decoder/Transmission Resolver (4800nm diameter)

	In practice, alien craft will often travel well within the listed detection ranges before being spotted. Detection "checks" are only performed twice an hour by the game, so fast-moving UFOs/~~USOs~~ may travel quite a distance before the next check is performed; the Small and Large Radars/Sonars have only a 10-20% chance of detecting enemy ships in-range; and alien vessels are not seen until they enter the Earth's atmosphere or surface from the deeper levels of the ocean, which can potentially occur right near a base. X-COM Craft, like the Hyper-Wave Decoder/Transmission Resolver, appear to have a 100% chance of detecting UFOs/~~USOs~~ that are within their detection range.		In practice, alien craft will often travel well within the listed detection ranges before being spotted. Detection "checks" are only performed twice an hour by the game, so fast-moving UFOs/Alien Subs may travel quite a distance before the next check is performed; the Small and Large Radars/Sonars have only a 10-20% chance of detecting enemy ships in-range; and alien vessels are not seen until they enter the Earth's atmosphere or surface from the deeper levels of the ocean, which can potentially occur right near a base. X-COM Craft, like the Hyper-Wave Decoder/Transmission Resolver, appear to have a 100% chance of detecting UFOs/Alien Subs that are within their detection range.

	Once detected, UFOs/~~USOs~~ remain visible until they leave the Earth's atmosphere or travel outside the detection radius of all available radars. The half-hour check for detection applies to tracking as well, so aliens may travel far outside your radar coverage before disappearing from the screen. This is especially true for fast-moving ships, which can travel as much as 2500 nm between updates. However, a UFO that leaves the atmosphere (or ~~USO~~ that ~~attempts to dive~~ too deep) will disappear immediately.		Once detected, UFOs/Alien Subs remain visible until they leave the Earth's atmosphere or travel outside the detection radius of all available radars. The half-hour check for detection applies to tracking as well, so aliens may travel far outside your radar coverage before disappearing from the screen. This is especially true for fast-moving ships, which can travel as much as 2500 nm between updates. However, a UFO that leaves the atmosphere (or Alien Sub that dives too deep) will disappear immediately.

	Alien Bases can only be detected by traveling/patrolling X-COM aircraft (or sometimes by X-COM agent reports at the end of each month). The maximum detection range is 1500nm from the aircraft and the chance of detection appears to decrease with distance. The longer a craft is left patrolling in one area, the more likely it will be to discover all bases nearby.		Alien Bases can only be detected by traveling/patrolling X-COM aircraft (or sometimes by X-COM agent reports at the end of each month). The maximum detection range is 1500nm from the aircraft and the chance of detection appears to decrease with distance. The longer a craft is left patrolling in one area, the more likely it will be to discover all bases nearby.
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	== How Radars Function ==		== How Radars Function ==

	Each radar/sonar type has a chance to detect any UFO/~~USO~~ within its range. Detections are performed in the game every 30 minutes exactly on the half hour. (If you are advancing the game an hour or day at a time, you may find the clock jumps forward to exactly a half hour interval whenever it spots a new enemy ship.)		Each radar/sonar type has a chance to detect any UFO/Alien Sub within its range. Detections are performed in the game every 30 minutes exactly on the half hour. (If you are advancing the game an hour or day at a time, you may find the clock jumps forward to exactly a half hour interval whenever it spots a new enemy ship.)

	Small Radars/Sonars have a 10% chance of detecting UFOs within their range, and Large versions have a 20% chance. If you have both Small and Large Radars/Sonars built at the same base, their abilities are added together: you will have a 30% chance of detecting aliens within 1500 nm and a 20% chance of detecting them from 1500 nm to 2250 nm.		Small Radars/Sonars have a 10% chance of detecting UFOs within their range, and Large versions have a 20% chance. If you have both Small and Large Radars/Sonars built at the same base, their abilities are added together: you will have a 30% chance of detecting aliens within 1500 nm and a 20% chance of detecting them from 1500 nm to 2250 nm.
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	== Craft-based UFO Detection ==		== Craft-based UFO Detection ==

	All traveling X-COM craft, whether en route or patrolling, can also detect UFOs/~~USOs~~ within a small range, 600nm. Within this range, craft can detect enemies 100% of the time. However, given the half-hour detection update intervals and craft speed, aliens can often pass within range of an X-COM craft without being spotted. All types of X-COM craft, whether [[Skyranger]]s or [[Avenger]]s, have the same UFO detection chance and the same detection radius, whether moving or patrolling.		All traveling X-COM craft, whether en route or patrolling, can also detect UFOs/Alien Subs within a small range, 600nm. Within this range, craft can detect enemies 100% of the time. However, given the half-hour detection update intervals and craft speed, aliens can often pass within range of an X-COM craft without being spotted. All types of X-COM craft, whether [[Skyranger]]s or [[Avenger]]s, have the same UFO detection chance and the same detection radius, whether moving or patrolling.

	Faster craft may sometimes appear to have a shorter detection radius, as they can travel great distances between detection updates, so they often only detect alien ships when right on top of them, or even having passed them already. The effective detection range can also appear shorter or longer, depending if the UFO/~~USO~~ is moving closer or moving away at the moment of detection.		Faster craft may sometimes appear to have a shorter detection radius, as they can travel great distances between detection updates, so they often only detect alien ships when right on top of them, or even having passed them already. The effective detection range can also appear shorter or longer, depending if the UFO/Alien Sub is moving closer or moving away at the moment of detection.

	If an alien vessel moves out of range of your base-based detection systems, you may be able to resume tracking by sending one of your ships to where you believe the enemy to be (based on its speed and direction).		If an alien vessel moves out of range of your base-based detection systems, you may be able to resume tracking by sending one of your ships to where you believe the enemy to be (based on its speed and direction).

	Similarly, by launching an immediate Interception aircraft mission, it may be possible to maintain tracking of a UFO/~~USO~~ long after it has moved outside range of ground-based detection - provided the aircraft can keep within 600nm of the target.		Similarly, by launching an immediate Interception aircraft mission, it may be possible to maintain tracking of a UFO/Alien Sub long after it has moved outside range of ground-based detection - provided the aircraft can keep within 600nm of the target.

	=== Alien Base Detection ===		=== Alien Base Detection ===
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	Bases can only be discovered by ''patrolling'' craft. An X-COM craft could fly over an alien base repeatedly and never discover it until it began patrolling in the area.		Bases can only be discovered by ''patrolling'' craft. An X-COM craft could fly over an alien base repeatedly and never discover it until it began patrolling in the area.

	It is frequently possible to deduce where an alien base is by the pattern of UFO traffic. The primary mission of [[Supply ship\|Supply Ships]]/[[Fleet Supply Cruiser]]s is to supply alien bases; wherever they land, a base is likely to be found. When a base is first being built, four UFOs/~~USOs~~ (a scout, two supply ships, and a battleship/dreadnought) will converge upon the same area and mill around for a while. (UFOs engaged in an [[Alien Missions#Alien Infiltration\|Infiltration]] mission will display similar behavior involving five ships.) In [[X-COM\|UFO]], the alien race found at a base will always be of the same type as the race found on the initial ships (or the supply ships which subsequently show up at regular intervals), while in [[TFTD]] ''all'' bases are manned by the same species.		It is frequently possible to deduce where an alien base is by the pattern of UFO traffic. The primary mission of [[Supply ship\|Supply Ships]]/[[Fleet Supply Cruiser]]s is to supply alien bases; wherever they land, a base is likely to be found. When a base is first being built, four UFOs/Alien Subs (a scout, two supply ships, and a battleship/dreadnought) will converge upon the same area and mill around for a while. (UFOs engaged in an [[Alien Missions#Alien Infiltration\|Infiltration]] mission will display similar behavior involving five ships.) In [[X-COM\|UFO]], the alien race found at a base will always be of the same type as the race found on the initial ships (or the supply ships which subsequently show up at regular intervals), while in [[TFTD]] ''all'' bases are manned by the same species.

	==UFO Activity Graph==		==UFO Activity Graph==

	Finally, the UFO/~~USO~~ activity graphs, accessed from the Geoscape, can act as a sort of "MUFON" (''M''utual ''UFO N''etwork: a civilian group dedicated to the observation of UFOs/~~USOs~~), allowing you to see activity that your radars/sonars cannot.		Finally, the UFO/Alien Sub activity graphs, accessed from the Geoscape, can act as a sort of "MUFON" (''M''utual ''UFO N''etwork: a civilian group dedicated to the observation of UFOs/Alien Subs), allowing you to see activity that your radars/sonars cannot.

	Turn on all the specific areas/seas and countries/zones and check them periodically. If one of the lines for the current month has changed, that means alien activity is occurring there. The country/zone graph usually provides more useful info than the area graph, though you should check both periodically. On occasion the area graph reports activity that is not reflected on the country graph -- in that case, keep an eye on it since more activity is likely to folllow.		Turn on all the specific areas/seas and countries/zones and check them periodically. If one of the lines for the current month has changed, that means alien activity is occurring there. The country/zone graph usually provides more useful info than the area graph, though you should check both periodically. On occasion the area graph reports activity that is not reflected on the country graph -- in that case, keep an eye on it since more activity is likely to folllow.

	The graphs are updated every half hour. Although tedious, checking them every 3-6 hours can give you enough time to detect and intercept a UFO/~~USO~~ while it is still on Earth. Using this method, it's possible to play the game with no radars/sonars, at least for the first few months. After that, UFO/~~USO~~ activity becomes too intense and the graphs lose their resolution, but by that time you should have decoders/resolvers already built, or on the way.		The graphs are updated every half hour. Although tedious, checking them every 3-6 hours can give you enough time to detect and intercept a UFO/Alien Sub while it is still on Earth. Using this method, it's possible to play the game with no radars/sonars, at least for the first few months. After that, UFO/Alien Sub activity becomes too intense and the graphs lose their resolution, but by that time you should have decoders/resolvers already built, or on the way.

	Be sure to only look at the current month's activity when trying to track current UFO activity. To make it easier to spot changes, you can write down the activity figures for each area and compare them with the current figures any time you think they've changed.		Be sure to only look at the current month's activity when trying to track current UFO activity. To make it easier to spot changes, you can write down the activity figures for each area and compare them with the current figures any time you think they've changed.
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	Checking the graphs less often will not allow you to do realtime interceptions, but it will tell you where to expect trouble, as scout activity always precedes larger craft on a related mission. The graphs are especially useful for discovering where [[Alien Base]]s have been built, as they generate frequent [[Supply Ship]] activity. Knowing where the aliens have been focusing their attention also gives you a good indication of where to build additional [[X-COM Bases]].		Checking the graphs less often will not allow you to do realtime interceptions, but it will tell you where to expect trouble, as scout activity always precedes larger craft on a related mission. The graphs are especially useful for discovering where [[Alien Base]]s have been built, as they generate frequent [[Supply Ship]] activity. Knowing where the aliens have been focusing their attention also gives you a good indication of where to build additional [[X-COM Bases]].

	Note that these graphs are actually showing the [[Scoring#Alien_Scoring\|aliens' score]]; this is why even later in the game it will be possible to see where the aliens are being able to complete missions, even if individual UFO/~~USO~~ flight plans will be swamped.		Note that these graphs are actually showing the [[Scoring#Alien_Scoring\|aliens' score]]; this is why even later in the game it will be possible to see where the aliens are being able to complete missions, even if individual UFO/Alien Sub flight plans will be swamped.

	No matter how wide or powerful your detection network eventually becomes, if you ever find yourself going through any quiet lengths of time where little to no alien activity is picked up, you should make a habit of checking the graphs. Though they will not provide you with exact locations, you will still get a good indication of the region that needs to be patrolled.		No matter how wide or powerful your detection network eventually becomes, if you ever find yourself going through any quiet lengths of time where little to no alien activity is picked up, you should make a habit of checking the graphs. Though they will not provide you with exact locations, you will still get a good indication of the region that needs to be patrolled.