Motion Scanner
This sophisticated device uses a variety of detectors and advanced computer algorithms to identify moving enemy units. However, it requires some practice to use effectively.
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How To Use
Click on the motion scanner icon on the tactical display. Select 'Use Scanner' from the menu. The Scanner display shows an arrow in the centre which is the direction the soldier is facing (North is at the top). The flashing blobs show units which have moved recently. The main use is to check for movement of units in an enclosed area - i.e. the UFO or a building or even the outside of the Skyranger before you embark after waiting the first or more turn.
The orientation is simple. It's the same as the overhead map. Top is North, then clockwise it's East, South and West. The numbers on the rings on the screen represent every tile away from you. It goes up to 8 or 9 rings, so that's a 9 tile radius. Which is coincidentally your visual range at night, so there's absolutely no point in using a motion scanner out in the open.
Using soldiers as an example, when no movement has occured, you'll get nothing on the screen.
After movement, units that have moved will register on the display. Note that the more they have to walk, the larger their blip on the screen.
That's it really. It's useful if you've got a wall and cannot see what's behind it. Out in the open, it's utterly useless. The further a unit has moved, the larger a blob it will produce. Large units produce bigger blobs with less movement. Sectoids produce smaller blobs then any other unit.
Hints and Tips
If Flying Suits are available, a soldier on the roof of the UFO with a Motion Scanner can pinpoint aliens moving around inside the craft. Same for buildings in Farm terrain or on Terror Missions.
BEWARE: Motion Scanner will only pick up units that moved. Enemies lying in ambush will be invisible.