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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Geomatics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
101915  Bachelor of Geomatics 
ORIGINATOR
Cape Peninsula University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Physical Planning, Design and Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
78733  Bachelor of Technology: Surveying  Level 7  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7  480  Complete 
78685  Bachelor of Technology: Cartography  Level 7  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7  480  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The primary purpose of the Bachelor's Degree is to provide a well-rounded, broad education that equips graduates with the knowledge base, theory, skills and methodology of the discipline of geomatics. It also provides the necessary education towards cross disciplinarily as a foundation for further training and experience towards becoming a competent Professional Geomatics Practitioner. This foundation is achieved through a thorough grounding in mathematics, geographical sciences, engineering science, legal principles, information technology and cartography. Technical knowledge is complemented by an appreciation of the natural world and society in which geomatics is practiced and an understanding of its impacts.

The qualification will offer the sciences, mathematics and physics in the first two years, but will also emphasise the specialised subjects like surveying, remote sensing and spatial analysis. It will make provision for 2 streams of specialisation, surveying and GISc, with elective subjects.

This qualification has been developed to assist with professional advancement within the geomatics industry.

Rationale:
The South African Council for Professional and Technical Surveyors (PLATO) is responsible for the registration of surveyors and Geographic information system (GISc) practitioners. Currently a person with a Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech) Degree can register as Professional Engineering Surveyor or Professional GISc practitioner. PLATO has decided that in terms of the new Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF) the structure of the Bachelor's Degree is required to register as a technologist. At an advisory committee meeting, PLATO has recommended that the institution replace the B.Tech with the Bachelor Degree, thus allowing for a technologist career path. This qualification will enable learners to attain higher order thinking abilities especially in mathematics, advanced GIS and advanced surveying.

Globally, the terms surveying and cartography have been absorbed into the umbrella term Geomatics, not just at universities, but in industry too. In South Africa, the Professional and Technical Surveyors' Act has been replaced by the Geomatics Profession Act in 2013. PLATO and the institution's Advisory Committee have recommended that the Surveying and Cartography streams should be merged into one Geomatics qualification. This is in keeping with national and international trends.

The Geomatics profession which encompass surveying and geo-information science professionals has been declared a scarce skill by the government and as such it is essential that the required manpower is supplied to the industry. This will allow graduates to register as a Technologist in the Geo-information science field or the Engineering Surveying field, depending on their specialisation. The B.Tech qualification will be phased out, thus leaving a gap in the education of technologists. This qualification addresses the outstanding learning areas which have been identified by industry, other educational institutions, legislative bodies, government institutions and professional councils. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Recognition of Prior Learning is based on the following process:
  • Applicant indicates the reason for applying for recognition of previous learning (could be entrance to a qualification or exemption from certain modules in the qualification).
  • The RPL committee determines the criteria for the Recognition of Prior Learning based on the request (could be admission requirements of the qualification, assessment of Exit Level Outcomes of modules for which exemption is requested or approved guidelines required by the professional body/industry).
  • The applicant must submit a portfolio of evidence of learning in place (what the applicant knows).
  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be used to demonstrate competence for admission to this qualification. This qualification may be achieved in part through Recognition of Prior Learning processes.
  • The RPL committee assesses the evidence of previous learning supplied by the applicant against the criteria and makes a recommendation to the Faculty's management committee in a full report describing the process followed. The RPL committee will make a recommendation to Exco of Senate for approval.

    Gaining access:
    If an applicant has considerable work experience, but do not meet the entry requirements of this qualification, the applicant may want to apply for entry into this qualification through RPL. This is referred to as "access". The RPL application will be evaluated against the entry requirements of this qualification according to the Institutional RPL policy. If access is granted, the qualification on the lower level is not awarded.

    Advanced Standing:
    An applicant might have gained knowledge and/or experience in specific areas, when compared to the outcomes against this qualification that might cover some subjects. The applicant may apply for recognition of these subjects and this is called "advanced standing". Once the assessment is done, the institution may give recognition for subjects.

    Entry Requirements:
  • National Senior Certificate granting access to Bachelor's Degree studies.
    Or,
  • National Certificate Vocational at Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's Degree studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory at Levels 5, 6 and 7 and elective modules at Levels 6 and 7, totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 5: 120 Credits:
  • Surveying 1A, 13 Credits.
  • Geography, 12 Credits.
  • Communication Skills, 10 Credits.
  • Drawing, 12 Credits.
  • Mathematics 1A, 12 Credits.
  • Surveying 1B, 13 Credits.
  • Mathematics 1B, 12 Credits.
  • Physics, 12 Credits.
  • Geomatics Computing 1, 12 Credits.
  • Civil Engineering, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 6, 92 Credits:
  • Mathematics 2A, 12 Credits.
  • Map Projections, 12 Credits.
  • Geomatics Computing 2A, 10 Credits.
  • Geographic Information Systems 2, 12 Credits.
  • Geomatics 2, 12 Credits.
  • Statistics, 12 Credits.
  • Land Law, 12 Credits.
  • Geomatics Computing 2B, 10 Credits.

    Learners must choose one stream.

    Elective Modules at Level 6 (Surveying stream), 28 Credits:
  • Surveying 2A, 12 Credits.
  • Surveying 2B, 12 Credits.
  • Survey Camp, 4 Credits.

    Or

    Electives at Level 6 (GISc Stream), 28 Credits:
  • Cartography 2, 12 Credits.
  • Remote Sensing, 12 Credits.
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Camp, 4 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 7, 80 Credits:
  • Geomatics 3, 10 Credits.
  • Geodesy, 10 Credits.
  • Professional Geomatics Practice, 10 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 10 Credits.
  • Geomatics Project, 10 Credits.
  • Financial Management, 10 Credits.
  • Employment Law, 10 Credits.
  • Town Planning, 10 Credits.

    Learners must choose the same stream as chosen for the Level 6:
    Electives Modules at Level 7 (Surveying), 40 Credits:
  • Surveying 3, 10 Credits.
  • Cadastral Surveying, 10 Credits.
  • Engineering Surveying 3, 10 Credits.
  • Surveying Adjustments, 10 Credits.

    Or

    Electives Modules at Level 7 (GISc) 40 Credits:
  • Spatial Analysis, 10 Credits.
  • Data Quality Management, 10 Credits.
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Programming, 10 Credits.
  • Geographic Information Systems 3, 10 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Systematically diagnose and solve broadly-defined surveying or Geographic Information Systems (GISc) problems by applying geomatics principles.
    2. Manage the collection and capturing of spatial and a spatial data from various formats and sources.
    3. Undertake procedural and nonprocedural design to solve broadly defined surveying and GISc problems that meet professional standards.
    4. Conduct a significant study/research that addresses a particular research problem in any study area of the GISc field successfully.
    5. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with audiences from geomatics and related fields.
    6. Operate effectively as a geomatics practitioner in a professional practice. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Analyse and define the problem and identify the criteria for an acceptable solution.
  • Bring to bear an appropriate mix of knowledge of mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, geographical science and engineering science at a fundamental level and in a specialist area for the solution of broadly-defined geomatics problems.
  • Identify relevant information and geomatics knowledge and skills for solving the problem.
  • Generate and formulate possible approaches that would lead to a workable solution for the problem.
  • Model and analyse possible solutions.
  • Evaluate possible solutions and select the best solution.
  • Formulate and present the solution in an appropriate form.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Formulate the data collection to satisfy user needs, accuracy requirements, applicable standards, codes of practice, constraints and legislation.
  • Import digital data files in different physical formats into a project dataset.
  • Transform data sets in different co-ordinate systems into an appropriate target co-ordinate system.
  • Collect data from various data sources.
  • Include Meta data should in all data sets.
  • Plan and conduct fieldwork, data capture, investigations and experiments to standards as defined by PLATO and relevant legislation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Ensure the designs comply to the codes of practice and legislation in geomatics and related disciplines.
  • Formulate the design problem to satisfy user needs, applicable standards, codes of practice, constraints and legislation.
  • Acquire and evaluate knowledge, information and resources in order to apply appropriate principles and design tools to provide a workable solution.
  • Evaluate alternatives for implementation and select a preferred solution based on analysis and judgement.
  • Assess the selected design in terms of the social, economic, legal, health, safety, and environmental impact and benefits.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Contextualise the research problem and outline the limitations of the research.
  • Conduct an appropriate literature review.
  • Analyse, interpret and derive information from available data, and complete to appropriate standards.
  • Draw conclusions from an analysis of all available evidence.
  • Record the purpose, process and outcomes of the investigation in a technical report, to professional standards.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Use appropriate language of written and oral communication for the purpose of the communication and the target audience.
  • Use accepted methods for providing information to others, e.g. through well-designed maps.
  • Deliver oral communication fluently with the intended meaning being apparent.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Manage projects according to specification, on time and within budget.
  • Consider and describe the ethical implications of decisions made.
  • Accept responsibility for consequences stemming from own actions.
  • Manage team members and resources in such a way that optimal performance is achieved.

    Integrated Assessment:
    A variety of Teaching and Learning (T and L) methods will be used. Different modalities of work-integrated learning such as work-directed theoretical learning, problem-based learning and project-based learning are staggered throughout the qualification. These ensure that learners engage actively with the material in different ways. The methods of delivery have been designed so that learners operate at different cognitive levels as they progress through the qualification, with more sophisticated or deeper levels of learning being stimulated as more knowledge is gained.

    Integrated assessment takes the form of an appropriate variety of both summative and formative assessment methods for example: written and oral examinations, problem solving assignments, projects, presentations, case studies, portfolios, log books, practical tasks through simulated geomatics projects and the successful completion of a research project. The qualification will be awarded to a learner who has provided evidence to the satisfaction of the assessors that the qualification, as detailed in the stated outcomes, has been achieved. Integrated assessment in this qualification aims to achieve the following:
  • Assess the extent to which learners can practice competently, effectively and in most geomatics contexts nationally and internationally.
  • Evaluate the extent to which learners have integrated the professional roles, knowledge, practice, and skills delivered through the learning outcomes of the subjects of this qualification.
  • Provide opportunities to develop reflexive competence through reflection-in-action and reflection-on-action. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The curriculum has been compared with the model requirements for registration as technologist in terms of the Professional and Technical Surveyors' Act 40 of 1984 and the Geomatics Profession Act 19 of 2013 and it complies with their requirements. The curriculum has been submitted to the Education Advisory Committee of PLATO who has responded favourably.

    Comparison was done by comparing this qualification with the Degree in Geomatics recently developed and offered by the Polytechnic of Namibia. The contents and course offerings are very similar and of the same standard. Internationally, comparison was done on the University of East London's Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours (Hons) in Surveying and Mapping Sciences. Consultation was also done with academics from ITC in the Netherlands, which is a world leader in geomatics education. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    In keeping with the requirements of the Higher Education Qualification Sub-framework (2014) as well as other relevant national policies pertaining to articulation as well as credit accumulation and transfer, the following institutional articulation requirements will be applicable to this qualification:

    Vertical articulation within the HEQSF:
    Students who have successfully completed the Bachelor of Geomatics at NQF level 7 may gain admission to a professional Bachelor's Honours degree in this field of study or a Postgraduate Diploma in this field of study at NQF level 8. Upon successful completion of the NQF level 8 qualification students may progress towards a Master's degree and thereafter towards a Doctoral degree.

    Horizontal articulation within the HEQSF:
    Students who have successfully completed the Bachelor of Geomatics at NQF level 7 or students who have completed modules/subjects towards the completion of this qualification may transfer credits towards a qualification in this field of study or related field of study at NQF level 7 (e.g. Advanced Diploma or Bachelor's degree).

    Diagonal articulation within the HEQSF:
    Students who have successfully completed the Bachelor of Geomatics at NQF level 7 or students who have completed modules/subjects towards the completion of this qualification may transfer credits towards a qualification in this field of study or a related field of study across pathways within the HEQSF (e.g. credits towards a Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours degree at NQF level 8 or a professional Bachelor's degree at NQF level 8).

    Inter-and intra-institutional articulation agreements based on national requirements will apply. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Cape Peninsula University of Technology 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.