When you're trying to find something or gather information, you might 'scout around'. However, there are various other synonyms that you can use to indicate a similar action. For instance, 'snoop around' is a crude reference to someone who is exploring somewhere they shouldn't. On the other hand, 'prowl' is better suited for folks who are investigating quietly, often with an intention to catch someone off-guard. 'Explore' is generally applicable for more generic situations, while 'prospect' implies a hunt for valuable minerals or similar resources. Finally, 'survey' is most suitable when you're conducting research or undertaking a census of a locality.