Survey Level?

[Merethys]

Can someone explain to me what the survey level does, exactly? I thought it would prevent me from getting high quality exhibits too early, but I've gotten multiple pristine exhibits now from locations with max quality great or epic. So clearly I must be misunderstanding something.

[Ryuukaze]

The higher level, the higher the max quality is supposed to be. But there are other modifiers than can increase the level of the item, too.

[Merethys]

Originally posted by Ryuukaze:

The higher level, the higher the max quality is supposed to be. But there are other modifiers than can increase the level of the item, too.

And can I see those anywhere?

I just sent a freshly hired expert (level 1) on an expedition to the Greasy Fields (level 2, max quality epic) and he brought back a pristine Star Fossil. I am aware there is an event that adds +1 quality in that location, but that requires a team level of 8, not 1.

I just don't get it.

[TacticalBitz]

It just increases the chance for higher quality, but if you want a lot of pristine always do the long trip.