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: 

Demonstrate basic understanding of GIS vector data structures for data acquisition 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
116874  Demonstrate basic understanding of GIS vector data structures for data acquisition 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Geographical Information Sciences 
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  3 
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 GIS occupational area and is intended for persons who aim to achieve career advancement by gaining GIS skills leading to qualification based on unit standards. A person who has successfully completed this unit standard will have a basic understanding of GIS data structures for the purpose of data capture.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Use a prescribed spatial reference framework to set up a data capture environment.
  • Use the appropriate feature type when capturing data.
  • Explain basic theory and principles of Spatial data models used in data capture.
  • Explain basic data base structures for data capture.
  • Exploit geo-data. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Basic Computer Literacy Level 4.
  • NQF 4 Numeracy and Literacy.
  • Internet Browsing and Searching Skills. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • Spatial reference framework refers to projections, coordinate systems and datums used in South Africa.
  • Feature types refers to lines, points and polygons.
  • Spatial data models include raster, vector, hybrid, layer based and object orientated. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Use a prescribed spatial reference framework to set up a data capture environment. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Spatial reference framework refers to projections, coordinate systems and datums used in South Africa. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The appropriate projection for a data capture task is used according to data capture requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Appropriate projections are Gauss Conform; Lamberts; Albers Equal Area.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The projection environment is set up according to the projection parameters. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Coordinates are obtained from or plotted on a map according to cartography standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Coordinates in Geographic and Cartesian.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The appropriate datum for data capture is used in accordance with task requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Datums are WGS 84 and Clarke 1880.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Use the appropriate feature type for data capture. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Feature types refer to lines, points and polygons. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Features are portrayed correctly as lines points and polygons according to the applications requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Concepts of points, lines and polygons/areas are correctly defined and understood in relation to data acquisition requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Feature identifiers are selected in accordance with feature classification standards. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the basic theory and principles of Spatial data models used in data capture. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Spatial data models include raster, vector, hybrid, layer based and object orientated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The basic differences between raster and vector data models are understood and explained in accordance with the data capture requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The basic differences between layer based and object orientated data models are understood and explained in accordance with the data capture requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Basic theory and principles associated with using layers for capturing features are understood and explained in accordance with data structure requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Basic theory and principles associated with using objects for capturing features are understood and explained in accordance with data structure requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate a basic understanding of data base structures for data capturing. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Purpose of and the need for databases, types of databases, basic database design. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Demonstrate a basic understanding of data base elements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Data base elements are tables/files, records/rows and fields/columns.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Key fields are created in accordance with the data base design. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Relationships between data base tables/files can be implemented as prescribed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Import and export files successfully. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Import export operations includes the files/tables and records/ rows.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Field types are used in accordance with the data base design. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Explore geo-data sources. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Data sources are located according to project needs. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Sources includes Internet, government, parastatals, private and international.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Data are imported in accordance with prescribed industry exchange standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Data is verified to be fit for purpose in accordance with project needs. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Coverage, scale, currency, completeness, thematic accuracy in term of meta-data.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Moderation
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA by SAQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Essential embedded knowledge will be assessed through assessment of the specific outcomes in terms of the stipulated assessment criteria. Candidates are unlikely to achieve all the specific outcomes, to the standards described in the assessment criteria, without knowledge of the listed embedded knowledge. This means that for the most part, the possession or lack of the knowledge can be directly inferred from the quality of the candidate's performance. Where direct assessment of knowledge is required, assessment criteria have been included in the body of the unit standard.

    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:
  • Basic knowledge of geography.
  • Basic computer literacy.
  • Concepts of maps and location. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Solve problems.
  • Data sources are located according to project needs.
  • Data is verified to be fit for purpose in accordance with project needs. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team / group / organisation or community.
  • Not assessed by this unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
  • The projection environment is set up according to the projection parameters. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, organise and critically evaluateInformation.
  • Import and export files successfully.
  • Data sources are located according to project needs.
  • Data are imported in accordance with prescribed industry exchange standards.
  • Data is verified to be fit for purpose in accordance with project needs. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual,Mathematics and language skills in the Modes of oral and written presentations.
  • The basic differences between raster and vector data models are understood and explained in accordance with the data capture requirements.
  • The basic differences between layer based and object orientated data models are understood and explained in accordance with the data capture requirements.
  • Basic theory and principles associated with using layers for capturing features are understood and explained in accordance with data structure requirements.
  • Basic theory and principles associated with using objects for capturing features are understood and explained in accordance with data structure requirements.
  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of data base elements. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically (showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others).
  • The appropriate projection for a data capture task is used according to data capture requirements.
  • The projection environment is set up according to the projection parameters.
  • Coordinates are obtained from or plotted on a map according to cartography standards.
  • The appropriate datum for data capture is used in accordance with task requirements.
  • Features are portrayed correctly as lines points and polygons according to the applications requirements.
  • Concepts of points, lines and polygons/areas are correctly defined and understood in relation to data acquisition requirements.
  • Feature identifiers are selected in accordance with feature classification standards.
  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of data base elements.
  • Key fields are created in accordance with the data base design.
  • Relationships between data base tables/files can be implemented as prescribed.
  • Import and export files successfully.
  • Field types are used in accordance with the data base design.
  • Data sources are located according to project needs.
  • Data are imported in accordance with prescribed industry exchange standards.
  • Data is verified to be fit for purpose in accordance with project needs. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems.
  • The basic differences between raster and vector data models are understood and explained in accordance with the data capture requirements.
  • The basic differences between layer based and object orientated data models are understood and explained in accordance with the data capture requirements.
  • Basic theory and principles associated with using layers for capturing features are understood and explained in accordance with data structure requirements.
  • Basic theory and principles associated with using objects for capturing features are understood and explained in accordance with data structure requirements. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    Assessors should keep the following principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the candidate can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent. 
    		•

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Terminology
  • Datum: Origin of a National reference system.
  • Meta Data: Data about data. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  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 
    Core  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 
    Elective  60549   National Diploma: Aeronautical Information Management Practice  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2016-12-31  TETA 


    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.
     
    1. ESRI SOUTH AFRICA 


    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.