Requirement

3. Maps, with a map, a compass, and a GPS device your counselor has approved

Required Often forgotten

Four parts, and the approval of the GPS device or app is in the requirement's opening sentence rather than in any lettered part.

Warning. The approval is in the opening sentence, not in any lettered part: a map, a compass, AND a GPS device or app APPROVED BY YOUR COUNSELOR. Settle which unit or app you are using before the session rather than at it: a phone app your counselor has not seen is the most likely thing to stop this requirement on the day.

What this is made of

3(a). The 5 D's of a map, pointed out and explained
3(b). Altitude, latitude, longitude and US National Grid, and how they differ
3(c). Orient the map, take a bearing, estimate distance and describe the terrain
3(d). A hypothetical place last seen, and a containment area around it

Where this step comes from

Search and Rescue Merit Badge Requirements (Merit Badge Hub, last modified 2025-12-31), Requirement 3 · Requires a map, a compass and a GPS device or app approved by the counselor, stated in the requirement's opening sentence.

Notes and warnings

What this is made of

Where this step comes from