They're hard to miss even without satellites. The only places on the planet that can be safely settled are the rocky poles, since the sand worms can't burrow underneath them.

[The poles are also the only places on the planet with temperatures considerable livable by the Empire. This doesn't stop the Fremen from thriving out there, but if he starts going into sociology they'll be here all night.]

It must be difficult for you to be confined to a solid state. I can't imagine it was easy to adjust to.

[There are plenty of other things he could comment on in her description of her planet, speaking of sociology, but he's struck by that thought first.]