SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Operate a geographical information system and components thereof 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
14275  Operate a geographical information system and components thereof 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Surveying 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction Physical Planning, Design and Management 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard has been developed for the surveying occupational area and is intended for persons who aim to achieve career advancement by gaining surveying skills leading to a qualification based on unit standards. A person who has successfully completed this unit standard is able to operate a geographical system and components thereof.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the History and Development of Geographical Information Systems
  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of the theoretical concepts of Geographical Information Systems Functionality.
  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of the theoretical concepts associated with Data Management of Geographical Information Systems
  • Operate a Geographical Information System in a Geomatics environment 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    NQF level 4, and numeracy and literacy that will facilitate better understanding and proficiency in this unit standard. The ability to interpret photographic detail from aerial photography for annotation purposes and obtain information from a plan will facilitate better understanding and proficiency in this unit standard. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Range statements are included with specific outcomes as necessary. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the History and Development of Geographical Information Systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Theory associated with the History of Geographical Information Systems are understood and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Fundamentals of Computing and Geographic Data, Microprocessor Development, and Information Systems. Fundamentals of Data Networks and Communication.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Theory associated with the Development of Geographical Information Systems are understood and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Data Networks and Communication, Development of G.I.S. software, Future Developments in G.I.S., Interoperability with other forms of Technology.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate basic understanding of the theoretical concepts of GIS Functionality. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Demonstrate a basic understanding of the theoretical concepts of Geographical Information Systems Functionality. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Theory and Principles associated with rudimentary Geographical Information Systems Concepts are understood and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Data Models, Data Conversions and Formats, Topology, and Geographical Information Systems components.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Theory associated with the Functions of Geographical Information Systems are understood and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Spatial Analysis, Database Integration, Cartography, Global Navigation Satellite Systems Integration, and Graphic Presentations.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate understanding of the concepts associated with Data Management of GIS. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Demonstrate a basic understanding of the theoretical concepts associated with Data Management of Geographical Information Systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The basic principles associated with Data Capture are understood and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Field Survey Methods, Remote Sensing, Photogrammetric Compilation, Scanning, Digitizing, Alpha-Numeric Inputs.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Understanding of the principles associated with Database Concepts is demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Database types, Database Management, Database Design, Standard Query Language.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Operate a Geographical Information System in a Geomatics environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Data for input in Geographical Information Systems is captured. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Alpha-Numeric input, scanning, digitising, computer-aided draughting.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Data for use in Geographical Information Systems is structured. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Create feature classes, create features, construct database, run queries, cleaning data.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    1. Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
    2. Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard or will assess this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA and registered with FE / HE registrar.
    3. Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures.

    Therefore anyone wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Essential embedded knowledge is dealt with under the specific outcomes section where "Demonstrate KNOWLEDGE and UNDERSTANDING" is required.
    (i) Basic theory and principles associated with Geographical Information Systems. 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Solve problems - refer to the following assessment criteria:
  • Theory associated with the Development of Geographical Information Systems are understood and explained.
  • Theory and Principles associated with rudimentary Geographical Information Systems Concepts are understood and explained.
  • Theory associated with the Functions of Geographical Information Systems are understood and explained.
  • The basic principles associated with Data Capture are understood and explained.
  • Understanding of the principles associated with Database Concepts is demonstrated. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team/group/organisation or community - refer to the following assessment criteria:
  • The basic principles associated with Data Capture are understood and explained.
  • Understanding of the principles associated with Database Concepts is demonstrated. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively - refer to the following assessment criteria:
  • Theory associated with the History of Geographical Information Systems are understood and explained.
  • Theory associated with the Development of Geographical Information Systems are understood and explained.
  • Theory and Principles associated with rudimentary Geographical Information Systems Concepts are understood and explained.
  • Theory associated with the Functions of Geographical Information Systems are understood and explained.
  • The basic principles associated with Data Capture are understood and explained.
  • Understanding of the principles associated with Database Concepts is demonstrated. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, organise and critically evaluate information - refer to the following assessment criteria:
  • Theory associated with the History of Geographical Information Systems are understood and explained.
  • Theory associated with the Development of Geographical Information Systems are understood and explained.
  • Theory and Principles associated with rudimentary Geographical Information Systems Concepts are understood and explained.
  • Theory associated with the Functions of Geographical Information Systems are understood and explained.
  • The basic principles associated with Data Capture are understood and explained.
  • Understanding of the principles associated with Database Concepts is demonstrated. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematics and language skills in the modes of oral and written presentations - refer to the following assessment criteria:
  • Theory associated with the History of Geographical Information Systems are understood and explained.
  • Theory associated with the Development of Geographical Information Systems are understood and explained.
  • Theory associated with the Functions of Geographical Information Systems are understood and explained.
  • The basic principles associated with Data Capture are understood and explained.
  • Understanding of the principles associated with Database Concepts is demonstrated. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically (showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others) - refer to the following assessment criteria:
  • Theory and Principles associated with rudimentary Geographical Information Systems Concepts are understood and explained.
  • Theory associated with the Functions of Geographical Information Systems are understood and explained.
  • The basic principles associated with Data Capture are understood and explained.
  • Understanding of the principles associated with Database Concepts is demonstrated. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems - refer to the following assessment criteria:
  • Theory associated with the History of Geographical Information Systems are understood and explained.
  • Theory and Principles associated with rudimentary Geographical Information Systems Concepts are understood and explained.
  • Theory associated with the Functions of Geographical Information Systems are understood and explained.
  • The basic principles associated with Data Capture are understood and explained.
  • Understanding of the principles associated with Database Concepts is demonstrated. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to the full development of each learner and the social and economic development of society at large - refer to the following assessment criteria:
  • Theory associated with the History of Geographical Information Systems are understood and explained.
  • Theory associated with the Development of Geographical Information Systems are understood and explained.
  • Theory and Principles associated with rudimentary Geographical Information Systems Concepts are understood and explained.
  • Theory associated with the Functions of Geographical Information Systems are understood and explained.
  • The basic principles associated with Data Capture are understood and explained.
  • Understanding of the principles associated with Database Concepts is demonstrated. 

  • REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Supplementary Information:

    The relevant information is contained in one or more of the following documents:
  • Training manuals
  • Survey Codes of Practice
  • Survey Instructions
  • Managerial Instructions
  • Professional Publications 

  • QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Fundamental  49063   National Certificate: Geographical Information Sciences  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  CETA 
    Elective  58784   National Diploma: Geospatial Image Analysis  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2020-07-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    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.
     
    NONE 



    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.