Surveying and the Trail to Eagle
Surveying is an elective merit badge. It is not required for any rank, but it can count as one of the 8 elective badges a scout needs for Eagle, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges. Elective badges are also where most scouts discover hobbies and careers, so choose ones you are genuinely curious about. Browse the complete merit badge list to compare options.
Surveying Merit Badge Requirements
Summary of the 2 main requirements for Surveying. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.
- 1
Show first aid for surveying injuries including cuts, snakebite, insect stings, tick bites, and heat or cold reactions, and explain why surveyors identify local poisonous plants and animals.
- 2
Complete the following:
- a.Set an instrument at a corner of a five-sided lot and use radial measurement to record angles and distances to the other corners and five topographic features.
- b.Measure three identical points with GPS and compare the distances with your earlier measurements.
- c.Plot your measurements with protractor and scale to make a neat map with north arrow, scale bar, title, date, and lot diagram.
- d.Set one corner as a benchmark at an assumed 100-foot elevation and use a level and rod to find the elevations of the other corners.
- e.Obtain a property deed and discuss its components and importance with your counselor.
- f.Discuss emerging surveying technologies such as drones and laser scanning, with their strengths and weaknesses.
- g.Explain GPS and its impact on surveying.
- h.Discuss with a licensed surveyor the types of surveying, technology, careers, and required qualifications.
Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.
How to Earn the Surveying Merit Badge
1. Get a blue card and a counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Surveying, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.
2. Plan around the setting
Surveying is usually earned on your own with a counselor. Schedule regular check-ins with your counselor so partial progress does not stall.
3. Budget the time
Expect about a month for a challenging badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.
4. Track every requirement
Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 10 Surveying requirements for you.
Surveying Merit Badge FAQ
Is the Surveying merit badge required for Eagle Scout?
No. Surveying is an elective merit badge. It can count as one of the 8 elective badges needed for Eagle Scout, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges.
How long does the Surveying merit badge take?
Most scouts finish Surveying in about a month, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.
Where do scouts usually earn the Surveying merit badge?
Surveying is most often earned on your own with a counselor. Any registered merit badge counselor for Surveying can sign off requirements.
How many requirements does the Surveying merit badge have?
Surveying has 2 main requirements with 8 sub-requirements, for 10 items in total.
