You can make a detailed examination of a specific area, looking for lost objects, hidden compartments, and traps, or to discern other details that aren't readily apparent at a casual glance. The Search skill lets a character detect some small detail or irregularity through active effort, whereas the Spot skill lets you notice something with a quick scan.

Check: You generally must be within 10 feet of the object or surface to be examined. You can examine up to a 5-foot-by-5-foot area or a volume of goods 5 feet on a side with a single check.

A Search check can turn up individual footprints, but, does not allow you to follow tracks or tell you which direction the creature or creatures went or came from.

Special: You can take 10 or take 20 when making a Search check.

A character with the Meticulous feat gets a +2 bonus on all Search checks.

Time: A Search check is a full-round action.