Surveying

Step 1

Start from the big picture - gain an overview of the topic.
Book showing cover blurb, title, contents, index, chapter heading
In books and articles, first look at:

abstract, summary, introduction
headings
diagrams and charts.

Step 2

Look at the table of contents in each chapter.

This gives you an overview of the areas and sub areas in the chapter.
Read the key points/overview at the beginning of the chapter.
A broad overview of the table of contents of a chapter including areas and sub-areas
Read the chapter outlines.