OK, so since I created the team on Earth, I can assume that they're actually doing something there, because the Earth hasn't already had a geological survey. There's no way to tell what they're doing, otherwise? And I should get a notice when the survey is complete, so I can move them elsewhere.
And if I understand you correctly, this is a more detailed survey than what survey ships do, so it's helpful to send the team around to any mining colonies.
Thanks for the info!