Description

ration is the act of searching for the purpose of discovery of information or resources. Exploration occurs in all non-sessile animal species, including humans. In human history, its most dramatic rise is arguably seen during the Age of Discovery when European explorers sailed and charted much of the rest of the world, largely in a pursuit of material wealth. Since then, major explorations after the Age of Discovery have occurred for reasons more aimed at information discovery. In scientific research, exploration is one of three purposes of empirical research (the other two being description and explanation). The term is also commonly used metaphorically. For example, an individual may speak of exploring the internet, sexuality, etc.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploration