Was there any info on Enterprise D's astrometrics lab, the Generations Movie galaxy had to be the same if not slightly better than Voyagers. It was designed for long range exploratory missions, I doubt intrepids could out scan a galaxy class vessel, it was very limited on nearly everything.
The lab itself was used for just about everything on Voyager but it's really no different from Stellar Cartography.
The real difference is the tools the lab uses ie sensors. We know very little of Sovereign, but we do know Galaxy had a range 10 light years and Voyager 15.
I would say that the Galaxy could use is vast array system to look at far more blocks of space (do more work at once), While Intrepid could bring phenomenon into crisp detail because of the palettes. (Much how Scientist will use multiple Radio Telescopes around the world to peer into one anomaly with super fine detail.)
Hobbs,
I would say that your ship is enough of a departure from Star Fleet norm to begin creating your own unique hardpoint style. Think of ways to upgrade abilities of particular items and imagine what it would look like according to what you want it to do.
Sensors Long range/short range, Targeting sensors
Emitters (tractor beam, mooring, energy transfer, phasers)
Hatches, Gangways, Bays, ejection
Lifepods
It's a lot to think about but the details can have a unique way of molding your final product.
