SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Diploma in Geomatics

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
111417	Diploma in Geomatics
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 240)	Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction		Physical Planning, Design and Management
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	240	Not Applicable	NQF Level 06	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		EXCO 0417/23	2018-07-01	2018-12-31
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2019-12-31		2023-12-31

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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of the Diploma in Geomatics is to meet the generic standard for an Engineering Surveying Technician. The qualification includes a fundamental commitment to educate learners as Engineering Surveying Technicians in the various fields of geomatics for example; Engineering Surveying, Geospatial Information Systems and Technology or Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry. This qualification is designed to enable learners to meet the generic standard for an Engineering Surveying Technician, namely to solve narrowly-defined problems. The qualification is designed to build the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills required for further learning towards becoming a competent practicing Engineering Surveying Technician in an operative occupation in the workplace.

The qualification, offered by the institution, is also designed to meet the National Qualifications Framework Level 6 and the South African Geomatics Council (SAGC) professional requirements for an Engineering Surveying Technician.

The core of the qualification is the integration of theory and practice (practical skills and attributes) spread over the duration of two years to ensure a balanced, highly skilled technician in the Surveying engineering environment. The knowledge emphasises general principles and application or technology transfer. The qualification provides learners with a sound knowledge base in a particular field or discipline and the ability to apply their knowledge and skills to particular career or professional contexts, while equipping them to undertake more specialised and intensive learning.

Rationale:
South Africa is currently experiencing an unprecedented economic growth. Therefore, the associated demand for human resources has exacerbated the skills shortage particularly in the scarce categories like the engineering and related professions. In terms of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) list of scarce skills, published in Government Gazette no 37678 on 23 May 2014, there is a shortage of skills in the survey profession. On the list of the DHET's List of Occupations in High Demand, published in Government Gazette no 39604 on 19 January 2016, the survey related occupations are mentioned. This is attributed to the broad set of skills that surveyors possess in response to spatial data collection or manipulation for application in developments that are on the rise in South Africa. In view of the adaptable skills surveyors have with varied applications in industry, the new terminology to refer to the collection of career areas in the geospatial fraternity is "geomatics".

The fundamental focus of the qualification is to train Engineering Surveying Technicians that can be functional in various occupations and may fulfil the needs of the country.

The rationale for the qualification arises from some three areas. These are:

Accelerating the provision of priority skills to address the identified shortage as per DHET.

Promoting greater relevance and responsiveness in the education and training system and strengthen the employability of learners.

Identifying blockages and obstacles within the system of education and training that stand in the way.

The needs of the stakeholders were addressed during the design and structure of this qualification with the input of members of an Advisory committee. The qualification meets the minimum standard specified by the South African Geomatics Council as outlined in Act No. 19 of 2013: Geomatics Profession Act, 2013 published in Government Gazette no 37142 on 10 December 2013. The Act specifies various categories and the requirements that should be met in order to register as competent within that category.

The qualification addresses changing techniques and technology that is defining modern geomatics. Learners will be exposed to the first principles, which will include the historical survey techniques, and this will be integrated with its evolution to modern geomatics. This mixture will enable learners to become better skilled professionals that can easily integrate into small and large projects.

The process of development of a Geomatics Technician starts with the attainment of this qualification that meets the relevant South African Geomatics Council (SAGC) standards. The content of this qualification will prepare the learner to build the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills required for further learning towards becoming a competent practicing geomatics technician who will contribute to the South African development work force.

SAGC (South African Geomatics Council) endorses the qualification. During an Advisory Committee meeting a recommendation was made that the qualification 280 Credits would be more relevant to offer than a Higher Certificate in Geomatics with 120 Credits.

This is the qualification to respond to the demands of the newly enacted Geomatics Profession Act No 19 of 2013.

Qualifications leading to this qualification tend to have a strong professional or career focus and holders of this qualification are normally prepared to enter a specific niche in the labour market.

The qualification may provide the learners with the following specialised skills:

Preparation for careers in Geomatics and fields of specialisation which benefit from engineering skills, for achieving technological proficiency and to make a contribution to the economy and national spatial and infrastructure development.

The educational base required for registration as an Engineering Surveying Technician with the SAGC.

Upon successful completion of a work integrated learning component or a combination of work-integrated learning and coursework of 120 Credits, learners can articulate to a Bachelor of Geomatics at NQF Level 7.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Admission and/or credits for this qualification may be obtained by means of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). RPL will be applied as per the institution's policy.

The qualification may be achieved in part through Recognition of Prior Learning processes.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies.
Or

National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies.
Or

National N Diploma, NQF Level 5.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5 and 6 totalling 280 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5,134 Credits:

Information Literacy, 1 Credit.

Communication Skills, 6 Credits.

Life Skills, 2 Credits.

Computer Survey Drawing, 12 Credits.

Engineering Mathematics I, 28 Credits.

Physics, 10 Credits.

Mechanics, 10 Credits.

Engineering Surveying Fundamentals, 28 Credits.

Geography, 6 Credits.

Geodesy and Map Projections, 12 Credits.

Geomatics Computer Applications, 19 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 146 Credits:

Engineering Mathematics II, 14 Credits.

Cadastral System Fundamentals, 12 Credits.

Applied Photogrammetry I, 24 Credits.

Engineering Surveying Fundamentals, 24 Credits.

Geographic Information Systems, 24 Credits.

Adjustment of Errors and Statistics, 24 Credits.

Remote Sensing, 24 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Apply geomatics principles to systematically diagnose and solve narrowly-defined surveying problems.
2. Apply knowledge of mathematics, science and geomatics sciences to wide practical procedures and practices to solve narrowly-defined surveying problems.
3. Perform procedural design of narrowly -defined components or processes to meet desired needs within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation and apply scientific and geomatics knowledge.
4. Conduct tests, experiments and measurements of narrowly-defined problems by applying relevant codes and catalogues.
5. Use appropriate established techniques, resources, and modern geomatics tools including information technology for the solution of narrowly-defined surveying problems, with an awareness of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraints.
6. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with surveying sector audiences.
7. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of geomatics activity on the society, economy, industrial and physical environment, and address issues by defined procedures.
8. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of surveying management principles and apply these to one's own work, as a member and leader in a technical team.
9. Engage in independent and life-long learning through narrowly-defined developed learning skills.
10. Understand and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of technical practice.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Define the problem and identify criteria for an acceptable solution.

Identify relevant information and surveying engineering knowledge and skills for solving the problem.

Identify solutions in terms of strengths and weaknesses for the overall solution.

Prioritise solutions in order of suitability.

Formulate and present the solution is in an appropriate form.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Apply an appropriate mix of knowledge of mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, natural science and engineering science at a fundamental level and in a specialist area on the solution of narrowly-defined engineering problems.

Apply applicable principles and laws.

Select appropriate surveying engineering materials, components or processes.

Effectively communicate concepts and ideas.

Perform reasoning regarding surveying engineering materials, components, systems or processes.

Perform work within the boundaries of the practice area.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Select and apply the appropriate method, skill or tool to achieve the required result.

Verify results produced by the method, skill or tool against requirements.

Select and use computer applications as required.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Formulate the design problem to satisfy user needs, applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.

Plan and manage the design process to focus on important issues and recognise and deal with constraints.

Acquire and evaluate knowledge, information and resources in order to apply appropriate principles and design tools to provide a workable solution.

Perform design tasks that include component testing to relevant premises, assumptions and constraints.

Evaluate alternatives for implementation and select a preferred solution on an elementary, technical and cost basis.

Communicate the design logic and relevant information in a report.

Identify occupational health and safety and environmentally related risks and consider appropriate measures.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Conduct tests, experiments and measurements within an appropriate discipline.

Identify and select available literature for suitability to the task.

Use equipment in accordance with original equipment manufacture's specifications.

Interpret and information from available data.

Draw conclusions from an evaluation of all available evidence.

Record the purpose, process and outcomes of the task in a report.

Identify occupational health and safety and environmentally related risks and take appropriate measures.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Use appropriate structure, style and language of written and oral communication for the purpose of the communication and the target audience.

Use appropriate and effective graphics in enhancing the meaning of text.

Use visual materials to enhance oral communications.

Provide information in a format that can be used by others involved in the engineering activity.

Deliver oral communication making apparent the intended meaning.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Consider geomatics activity in terms of the impact on the public health and safety.

Consider geomatics activity in terms of the impact on the occupational health and safety.

Consider geomatics activity in terms of the impact on the natural environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Explain and apply the principles of planning, organising, leading and controlling.

Carry out individual work effectively and on time.

Make individual contributions to team activities to support the output of the team as a whole.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

Identify, plan and manage learning tasks.

Undertake independent learning: comprehend and apply knowledge acquired outside of formal instruction.

Display awareness of the need to maintain continued competence through keeping abreast of up-to-date tools and techniques available in the workplace.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:

Know and understand the ethical implications and the impact of surveying engineering decisions.

Accept responsibility for consequences stemming from own actions or failure to act.

Limit decision making to area of current competence.

Integrated Assessment:
Description of the number and types of tests/assignments/projects/case studies which will be applied in the qualification.

Continuous Assessment.

Examination.

There is no specific final or year-end examination in modules assessed in a continuous assessment mode. The assessment opportunities completed during the learning process accumulates into a final module mark. The weights or contributions of the assessment opportunities may vary according to needs. There should be not less than four assessment opportunities per semester module and six for a year module. This form of assessment includes a concluding assessment opportunity that integrates the learning in the units of a module. The final mark for modules that are assessed continuously will be compiled from the accumulation of marks obtained for tests, assignments, papers, projects and other opportunity instruments.

Modules which are assessed in an examination termination mode is developed as such: Year modules require a minimum of six assessment opportunities during the course of the year, while a minimum of three assessment opportunities are required for semester modules. Scores obtained in these assessments will be collectively calculated to determine the predicate mark.

Formative Assessment will be used to inform learners about their progress on a continuous basis throughout the course of study. Self and peer assessments are used for formative assessment purposes. Marks collected from this evidence may be recorded for promotional purposes or may be used for the sole purpose of learner and lecturer reflection, growth and development. Formative assessment will be used to support the learner developmentally and to provide feedback to all involved in the learning process about how teaching and learning can be improved. Formative assessment will be conducted by means of theoretical and practical assessment with group and individual assignments and projects. Throughout the qualification, formative assessment strategies will be used to ensure that exit level outcomes are achieved.

Summative assessment will involve assessment opportunities that take place at the end of a learning experience. Information will be gathered about a learner's level of competence upon completion of a module. Results will be expressed in marks in terms specific modules and its related Exit Level Outcomes. This type of assessment will be used for promotional purposes and will take the form of theoretical examinations, practical examinations and projects to integrate learning. This qualification is designed to enable learners to apply their skills in the world of work therefore applied competence is assessed accordingly.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

This qualification, is aligned to the requirements of the South African Geomatics Council (SAGC). The SAGC prescribes the knowledge areas for qualifications so that learners can get professional registration after completion of the Diploma, Degree and Honours qualifications. These knowledge areas form the core of the learning content for the Geomatics qualification. The SAGC performs accreditation of qualifications to ensure that the required level of quality is achieved. In this accreditation process, the council ensures that the learning content is still relevant and up-to-date when compared with international standards and that the learners can work internationally or seamlessly migrate to other international academic institutions for further Postgraduate studies.

As such, learners are taught modules covering the different knowledge areas as per the required credits. The department has an advisory committee comprised of industry experts. This committee will continually assist in giving feedback to improve the qualification to extensively meet industry requirements. These industry partners assist with practical industrial training for learners and technology lectures. Lecturers participate in research in different knowledge areas of the course to enable continuous updating of content. The lecturers attend international conferences from time to time to interact with other professionals and keep up to date with emerging research themes which can be applied to the Geomatics modules.

Modules are practical-oriented using internationally used software to include ESRI, Leica Geosystems, and Microstation and Autodesk products for specifically the Geomatics modules.

The qualifications offered by the geomatics department are aligned with international best practice. The Geomatics Council, as a statutory body, created in terms of the Geomatics Profession Act (19 of 2013) and provides for an Education Advisory Committee (EAC). The EAC undertakes accreditation every five years and advises, or insists, on certain changes to modules offered to update the overall qualifications offered by the institution. The Geomatics Council EAC is comprised of academics and industry stakeholders that advise on best practices which are derived from direction taken at international level.

The SAGC is also a member of the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG), which is an umbrella body for many international statutory bodies where articulation and levels of comparability of qualifications are discussed and maintained. All students from South Africa intending to study abroad will require assessment at foreign institutions of higher learning before admission.

The Diploma in Geomatics is comparable to the similar diplomas offered internationally as indicated below.

Canada.
The Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers Geomatics and Surveying Engineering Technology Diploma, equivalent to NQF Level 6 with 150 Credits. The duration of study is 3 years. International learners will be assessed before admission. The qualification encompass classroom teaching, supervised practicals, inclusive of work-integrated learning. Subjects are similar to the institution's Diploma in Geomatics. The entry requirements are equivalent to the requirements of the institution's qualification. Furthermore, the qualification provides entry to a Bachelor's Degree in Land Surveying.

The British Columbia Institute of Technology offers the Geomatics Engineering Technology Diploma that is equivalent to NQF Level 6 with 136 Credits, though the credit system is different. The qualification is offered for a duration of 2 years. The entry requirements for this qualification are similar to that of the institution. The qualification provides entry to a Geomatics Bachelor of Science Degree at the institution. The qualification is similar to the qualification offered by the institution in terms of the entry requirements, classroom teaching, supervised practicals and the modules.

Puerto Rico.
The Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico offers Associate Degree in Land Surveying, which is equivalent to NQF level 6 with 67 credits. The qualification is offered for 2 years on full time contact. This qualification is similar to the institution's qualification in terms of level, entry requirements, classroom teaching, supervised practicals as well as the modules offered. The qualification provides entry to a Geomatics Bachelor of Land Surveying degree at the institution.

New Zealand.
The Diploma in Surveying is a two-year qualification offered by the Unitec Institute of Technology on a full time basis. The qualification level is equivalent to NQF Level 6 with 67 Credits. Though the qualification is offered on full time contact, part-time studies are available on request. The qualification is similar to the institution's qualification in terms of the entry requirements, classroom teaching, supervised practicals and modules offered.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Diploma in Surveying, NQF Level 6.

Vertical Articulation:

Bachelor of Geomatics, NQF Level 7.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS 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.

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