SURVEYING

These were the REQUIREMENTS before the REVISIONS which were made when a new merit badge pamphlet was issued during 2004 after the 2004 edition of BOY SCOUT REQUIREMENTS was issued.

To see the current requirements Click Here

  1. Do ONE of the following:
    1. From a set point (stake, nail, etc.), measure a range line north 300 feet and south 300 feet. From the same point, measure a baseline east 300 feet and west 300 feet. From one or more points (stations) marked along the range and/or baseline, take compass readings to trees, shrubs, and rocks. Take measurements from the range or baseline to the located features. Make the measurements using instruments, methods, and accuracies consistent with current technology, as directed by your counselor.
    2. Find and mark the corners of a five-sided lot that has been laid out by your counselor to fit the land available. Set an instrument over each of the corners and record the angle turned between each line and the distance measured between each corner, as directed by your counselor. With the assistance of the counselor, compute the error of closure from the recorded notes. The error of closure must not be more than 5 feet. From the corners, take compass readings or turn angles to trees, shrubs, and rocks and measure to them. All measurements should be made using instruments, methods, and accuracies consistent with current technology, as directed by your counselor.
  2. From the field notes gathered for requirement 1, draw to scale a map of your survey (as directed by your counselor). Submit a neatly drawn copy.
  3. Use one of the corner markers from requirement 1 as a benchmark with an assumed elevation of 100 feet. Using a level and rod, determine the elevation of the other four corner markers.
  4. Without first measuring the distance, determine the length between two points, then measure the length using a tape or instruments consistent with current technology. The answer you first determined must be within 5 percent of the length measured.
  5. Determine the height of a point (tree limb or the like) that can be checked using a tape or level rod. Check the height using instruments and methods consistent with current technology, as directed by your counselor. Your original determination must be within 5 percent of the measured height.
  6. Discuss the importance of surveying with a licensed surveyor or another qualified individual. Also discuss the various types of surveying and mapping, and applications of surveying technology to other fields. Discuss career opportunities in surveying and related fields. Discuss qualifications and preparation for such a career.

BSA Advancement ID#: 109
Pamphlet Revision Date: 1992 (2004)
Requirements last revised in 1991 (2004)

Page updated on: May 08, 2022

Scouts Using the Internet Cartoon - Courtesy of Richard Diesslin - Click to See More Cartoons
© 1994-2024 - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Site Map | Disclaimer | Project Team | Contact Us | Privacy Policy

Materials found at U. S. Scouting Service Project, Inc. Websites may be reproduced and used locally by Scouting volunteers for training purposes consistent with the programs of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) or other Scouting and Guiding Organizations. No material found here may be used or reproduced for electronic redistribution or for commercial or other non-Scouting purposes without the express permission of the U. S. Scouting Service Project, Inc. (USSSP) or other copyright holders. USSSP is not affiliated with BSA or WOSM and does not speak on behalf of BSA or WOSM. Opinions expressed on these web pages are those of the web authors. You can support this website with in two ways: Visit Our Trading Post at www.ScoutingBooks.com or make a donation by clicking the button below.
(U.S. Scouting Service Project Donation)


(Ruth Lyons Memorial Donations)