Thu 02 Dec 2021, 23:37
In theory, sure. That's half a kilometer, and under clear conditions it should be easy enough to spot a settlement and perhaps also movement around it. Anyone stationary or that doesn't want to be seen? What exact weapons/gear/uniforms they have, or maybe even if they're armed at all? Forget it. That's where the binos and such would come in very handy.
In practice, there are lots and lots of places where 500m of flat ground just doesn't exist. Even in relatively flat Poland. A small hillock could completely conceal the little village right behind it, unless there's smoke or something. Even light rain or fog could make seeing anything beyond silhouettes of buildings impossible beyond 100-200m.
Author, Central Poland Sourcebook -- now available on DriveThruRPG