Why did scouting become more important as naval gun ranges increased?

As naval gun ranges increased, scouting became a critical tactical element because commanders were forced to make strategic decisions well before the enemy was within visual range.1

The expansion of weapon reach meant that battles were no longer confined to immediate visual contact; instead, control had to be exercised over significantly greater distances. Consequently, the scouting process—which gathers information through reconnaissance, surveillance, and other methods—became essential for providing the tactical commander with the data necessary to direct forces effectively.12

As the range of naval weapons grew, the ability to gain information and simultaneously confuse the enemy’s situational awareness through electronic means became as vital to tactical success as firepower itself. This shift necessitated a sophisticated synthesis of scouting, command and control, and countermeasures to manage forces operating far beyond the horizon.12