 Surveying
This Merit Badge requires 2 sessions to complete.
The Pathways to Eagle preparation work items for the Surveying merit badge are: 1, 6
- Items in RED - MUST be completed before the session starts to make it possible to complete the merit badge at Pathways to Eagle. Bring proof of completion (item, written work, note, photo, etc.)
- Items in GREEN - Can be completed before the session starts or done during merit badge session.
- Items in BLACK - MUST be ready to demonstrate your knowledge of these requirements during the merit badge session.
Scouts are strongly encouraged to use a Merit Badge worksheet to show that they have done the preparation work for the merit badge.
Download the workbook for the
Surveying Merit Badge
in Adobe PDF format from the U.S. Scouting Service Project website.
Scouts MUST be able to discuss any items completed as preparation works or as written work.
Note: Some requirements contain items that fall into more that one category and are listed as the higher category.
NOTE: The counselor has indicated that the Scout MUST be
proficient in Geometry to be able to complete this
merit badge. All requirements may not be able to be
completed in the allotted time period. |
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. |
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. With the assistance of the
counselor, compute the error of closure from the
recorded notes. The error of closure must not be
more than five 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. |
From the field notes gathered for requirement 2,
draw to scale a map of your survey. Submit a neatly
drawn copy. |
4. |
Write a metes and bounds description for the five-
sided lot in requirement 2. |
5. |
Use one of the corner markers from requirement 2 as
a benchmark with an assumed elevation of 100 feet.
Using a level and rod, determine the elevation of
the other four corner markers. |
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 it is changing the field
of surveying. |
8. |
Discuss the importance of surveying with a
licensed surveyor. 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. |
|
The requirements listed on this web site are believed to be correct.
The official requirements can be found in the current edition of
"Boy Scout Requirements Book 2026"
Download the workbook for the
Surveying Merit Badge
in Adobe PDF format from, The U.S. Scouting Service Project website.
|
