What is the term for looking for sign to establish a starting point for tracking?

The term that refers to looking for signs to establish a starting point for tracking is known as sign cutting. This process involves examining the environment for indications of the subject’s presence, which can include footprints, disturbed vegetation, or any other disturbances that reveal where the subject might have traveled. Sign cutting is a crucial skill in search and rescue operations, as it helps in creating an effective tracking strategy based on the evidence found in the field.

In contrast, evidence gathering generally refers to the broader process of collecting various types of information and artifacts that may be relevant to the case, which may or may not include signs specific to tracking. Pre-tracking could refer to preparations made before tracking begins, but it doesn't specifically denote the act of interpreting signs. Initial reconnaissance might involve surveying an area to assess conditions or gather general information, but it is not focused solely on identifying signs for the purpose of tracking. Thus, sign cutting specifically encapsulates the action of identifying signs that point to a subject’s movements, making it the correct term in this context.