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: 

Interpret a topographical map for navigational purposes 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
376400  Interpret a topographical map for navigational purposes 
ORIGINATOR
Task Team - Special Combat Capabilities 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Sovereignty of the State 
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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
115468  Interpret a topographical map for navigational purposes  Level 4  NQF Level 04   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The qualifying learner is capable of identifying the map to be used. The learner will be able to interpret map information in order to navigate on a given topographical map. Persons credited with this unit standard will have a broad range of knowledge to apply and use the information on a given map and prepare a map for outdoor application. This competence will enhance the capabilities of security organisations to maintain peace and security within the community and the sovereignty of the RSA.

Persons credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Select a matching topographical map of an area of interest for navigational purposes.
  • Interpret map symbols as indicated in the map legend.
  • Convert real distance to distances relating to the scale of the map in use.
  • Utilise the coordinate system on the chosen map to indicate a surface position.
  • Describe the relationship between true North and magnetic North and its influence on navigation.
  • Determine bearings between two given points on a map.
  • Interpret the relief of a topographical map.
  • Plan a route through accessible terrain.
  • Prepare a topographical map for outdoor use. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that the learner is competent in the following:
  • Communication at NQF Level 4.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4. 

  • UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Select a matching topographical map of an area of interest for navigational purposes. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Selection of 1:50 000 maps available in the RSA. The map must be current (latest version available) for reasons of accuracy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The RSA map reference identification system is used to locate a map of a given area. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The RSA map reference identification system is used to determine the adjacent maps and the relation to a given map. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The different types of maps and their specific uses are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The date of compilation/publication of the map is specified. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Interpret map symbols as indicated in the map legend. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The different colour codes utilised for map symbols are interpreted by making use of practical examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The use of symbols to communicate map information is explained by making use of practical examples. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Convert real distance to distances relating to the scale of the map in use. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Converting includes the use of dividers, ruler and piece of paper or string for the measurement of a winding course and distance wheel. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The term "map scale" and the use of different scale maps for different applications are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The scale of a given map is identified by pointing out how it is indicated on the map. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The conversion of real distance units to the scale of the given map is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The conversion on a given distance on a map to its real distance is demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Utilise the coordinate system on the chosen map to indicate a surface position. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Coordinate systems include the UTM System, the Military Grid Reference System and Latitude and Longitude. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The different coordinate systems in use are identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The use of the various coordinate systems is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The determination of a given position on the earth's surface to within 100m on a 1:50 000 maps is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The coordinates for a given position on a 1:50 000 maps is recorded. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Describe the relationship between true north and magnetic north and its influence on navigation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The differences between true and magnetic north and the natural influence of the earth are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Given a specific map the difference between true and magnetic north is indicated on the map. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The annual change between true and magnetic north is explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Interpret the relief of a topographical map. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The term "contour interval" is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Using a 1:50 000 topographical map, high ground and low ground is identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    With the aid of contours the different landforms are identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A cross section between two given points is used to illustrate understanding of gradients. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The gradient of a given slope on a 1:50 000 topographical map is calculated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Plan a route through accessible terrain. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The lay of the land is interpreted from a topographical map to select the best route to be followed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A navigational table is drafted according to a given route on a map. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The bearing between two given points on a map is determined with the aid of a protractor. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 8 
    Prepare a topographical map for outdoor use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A map is prepared for outdoor use. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Prepared includes but is not limited to sealing and waterproofing.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A map is folded to allow for easy use. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed (including through Recognition of Prior Learning) against this Unit Standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA, or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this Unit Standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Unit Standard or assessing this Unit Standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 

  • UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking has been made when learners are capable of identifying the correct map for use, and then solve various problems related to navigational planning that can occur during the use of a map. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community where the individual conducting the map work effectively plans on a map and make his planning understandable to the rest of the team. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively. Map work requires an organised set sequence of solving problems inclusive of the pre-arranging of measurement tolls in order to maintain a high degree of accuracy. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information when earners are capable of collecting, analysing and critically evaluating information necessary to effectively use a map. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion. Map work requires a thorough understanding of universally accepted terms in order to communicate efficiently with others. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard {115468}, "Interpret a topographical map for navigational purposes", Level 4, 2 credits. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  78263   National Higher Certificate: Special Combat Capabilities  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  SAS SETA 


    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.