Boy Scout Merit Badge Requirements

SURVEYING

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 base line east 300 feet and west 300 feet. From one or more points (stations) marked along the range and/or base line, take compass readings to trees, shrubs, and rocks. Take measurements from the range or base line to the located features. Make the measurements using instruments, methods, and accuracies consistent with the 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
Source: Boy Scout Requirements, #33215D, revised 2001

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Last modified on Thursday, July 12, 2001