SURVEYING

A new version of the merit badge pamphlet for this merit badge, with some revised requirements, was issued during 2004 after the 2004 edition of BOY SCOUT REQUIREMENTS was issued.

The previous requirements remain current until December 31, 2004.

Until that date, Scouts starting the merit badge may use EITHER the previous requirements, or those in the new pamphlet, shown below, at their option, but may not "mix and match" requirements from both sets. They should finish the merit badge with whichever set they choose.  If they start using the previous requirements, they can continue using them until they complete the badge or turn 18.

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To see the current requirements with no highlighting of the changes,
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Click here for the previous requirements

  1. Show that you know first aid for the types of injuries that could occur while surveying, including cuts, scratches, snakebite, insect stings, tick bites, heat and cold reactions, and dehydration. Explain to your counselor why a surveyor should be able to identify the poisonous plants and poisonous animals that are found in your area.
    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. 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.
  3. 2. From the field notes gathered for requirement 2 1, draw to scale a map of your survey (as directed by your counselor). Submit a neatly drawn copy.
  4. Write a metes and bounds description for the five-sided lot in requirement 2.
  5. 3. Use one of the corner markers from requirement 2 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. Get a copy of the deed to your property, or a piece of property assigned by your counselor, from the local courthouse or title agency.
  7. Tell what GPS is; discuss with your counselor the importance of GPS and how iti s changing the field of surveying.
  8. 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: 2004
Requirements last revised in 2004

Page updated on: November 18, 2021

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