Yes, definitely, scope out locations. We should do this with low populated servers... just so we could get our bearings. I haven't been North East, maybe somewhere out there? As we know, people usually flock Northwest. Somewhere North-North East maybe, between the two Airfields? It can serve as a main base. Far West can also be good. Possibly... i don't know.
We can also have another temporary (smaller) base nearer to the center of the map to serve as a supply stash. This way, if one us just spawned, he/she can quickly gear up without the need of running across the whole map.
Oh... for you fellas that has missed out the past week or so with the patches and all, it's much easier to aggro Zeds, but you can also easily lose them by just out running them and turning a corner (losing line of sight). I started my 2 day old character by just running about inside Cherno with no regards to Zeds and other players. Managed to collect 2 tents, lee enfeild, m1911, toolbox, box of matches, map, clock, compass, and generic loot (food, beverages, medical, etc.).
I'm near Starry right now, planning to check out the military tents. I'm a bit hesitant though. I wanna lay down my tents first and hoard some loot. I need a buddy to tag along with