What is the main difference between surveillance and reconnaissance?

The main difference lies in the nature and focus of the two activities. Surveillance refers to the ongoing monitoring or observation of a particular area or target, without strict time limitations. It is often used to track patterns, behaviors, or activities over a prolonged period, allowing for a broad and continuous assessment.

On the other hand, reconnaissance is more targeted and time-sensitive. It is typically focused on gathering specific intelligence or information about an area or object, often conducted within a set time frame and for a particular purpose. This could involve a brief, concentrated effort to acquire data that can then be acted upon.

In summary, while surveillance tends to be more open-ended and broad in its objectives, reconnaissance is distinctly focused and occurs within specific constraints. This highlights the operational differences in how each method is employed for intelligence gathering.