translation surfaces are geometric objects that can be defined as a collection of polygons with sides identified in parallel opposite pairs by translation. if we generalize slightly and allow for polygons with sides identified by both translation and dilation, we get a new family of objects called dilation surfaces. while translation surfaces are well-studied, much less is known about dynamics on dilation surfaces and their moduli spaces. in this talk, we will survey recent progress in understanding the topology of moduli spaces of dilation surfaces. we will do this by understanding the action of the mapping class group on the moduli space of dilation surfaces. this talk represents joint work with paul apisa and matt bainbridge.