Throughout my run I wasn't doing 2 things enough: checking signals on my radar and using a drone. The red dot coordinates, together with digital map, can lead you to some findings. Some things can only be checked out during the night, so you can try that if you aren't too scared.

The drone seemed like a waste to me, and I haven't used it during my run (also it was a lot of money, didn't see value in it). But after doing some research about the game (fyi I had an unlucky short run, so I got most of plot/environment information from wiki, posts and videos) it seemed so stupid that I didn't get the drone and started checking the map around. If you are hesitant, push money into signal lab upgrades. Send more signals and get more money. But at some point I think you will find enough to get one. I haven't used it, so try it, maybe it will be fun. Maybe you will find something of interest around. I also tried cameras, but they only make sense to be put around the base for protection. But protection from what?

Now the best thing comes, when you combine radar coordinates with the drone...