Exploration is the act of searching or traveling for the purpose of discovery, e.g. of unknown regions, including space (space exploration), or oil, gas, coal, ores, water (also known as prospecting), or information.

Exploration has existed as long as human beings, but its peak is seen as being during the Age of Exploration when European navigators travelled around the world.

Exploration by area:

• European exploration of Africa
• European exploration of Australia
• European exploration of North America
• Exploration of the High Alps
• Exploration of Mars

See also:

• List of explorers
• Desert exploration
• Space exploration
• Urban exploration