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: 

Electronic data capturing for geological interpretation and modelling purposes 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
262257  Electronic data capturing for geological interpretation and modelling purposes 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Mining and Minerals 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Fabrication and Extraction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
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
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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
12187  Electronic data capturing for geological interpretation and modelling purposes  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will be useful to people who are responsible to capture geological related data in an electronic format for geological interpretation and modelling purposes.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate the knowledge required for capturing geological related data for geological interpretation and modelling purposes using electronic means.
  • Prepare raw data for electronic data capturing.
  • Enter and validate collated data.
  • Archive the original raw data and compile completion report. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credit calculation is based on the assumption that learners are already competent in the following:
  • Communication and Mathematical literacy at NQF Level 3.
  • Computer Literacy at NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate the knowledge required for capturing geological related data for geological interpretation and modelling purposes using Electronic means. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    The learner will be assessed on the knowledge and understanding that is required for the capturing of geological related data in an electronic format for geological interpretation and modelling purposes in terms of the assessment criteria. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The potential and actual implications are described of inaccurately capturing data in an electronic format. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The techniques and processes are described that can be utilised to capture data electronically. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must be any one of the following and will depend on the specific data that will be captured:
  • Customised data capture software packages.
  • Develop new spreadsheets for fixed field data capture.
  • Transfer/reformat or import existing data into other formats, such as an Excel sheet into an ASCII file.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The contents and requirements of the work instruction and the consequences of non-compliance with the requirements are described in terms of the potential effect on the subsequent geological interpretation and modelling. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The different data types are described in terms of the contents of each data type that will be captured and the relationship with other data types. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare raw data for electronic capture. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The raw data is obtained, confirmed to be complete and organised into the different data types in accordance with operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Anomalous data types and data fields are noted and recorded and corrective measures applied within the constraints of the level of responsibility and authority. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include any one or a combination of the following:
  • Incomplete data.
  • Non-sorted/random data.
  • Non-standardised data field sequence.
  • Unknown/non-familiar electronic input data for reformatting.
  • Inconsistent data field lengths.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The data capture equipment and software is selected, examined and verified to be appropriate and in an operating condition, all in accordance with the work instruction and laid down procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must be one of the following:
  • Personal computer (PC) with printer interfaces for text data capturing and the specific software application.
  • Personal computer (PC) with digitizer interfaces when capturing map data and the specific software application.
  • Personal computer (PC) with scanner interfaces when capturing map/graphic data and the specific software application.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Defective equipment and software applications are dealt with in accordance with laid down procedures and manufacturer's requirements where applicable. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Computer viruses.
  • Network and hardware related failures.
  • Storage media.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Potential and actual hazardous and sub-standard conditions found during the preparation phase are dealt with in accordance with laid down procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Slippery surfaces.
  • Electricity in close proximity to water.
  • Poor illumination.
  • Faulty wiring.
  • Excessive dust.
  • Temperature ranges that effects the reliability of equipment.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Enter and validate collated data. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    The learner will be assessed on the ability and the procedures applied to correctly enter the data in an electronic format and the validation of the captured data. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Work related hazards and associated risks that have an effect on a safe and healthy work environment are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Eyestrain.
  • Injuries as a result of incorrect posture.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The raw data is correctly entered in terms of the data type and relevant fields and anomalous conditions or on-line error messages, when encountered are recorded and dealt with in accordance with laid down requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The captured data is saved at regular intervals to prevent loss of data in the event of communication failure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The captured data is validated in accordance with software requirements and laid down procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Archive the original raw data and compile completion reports. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    The learner will be assessed on the completion procedure of the data capturing procedure according to the assessment criteria. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The captured and validated data is dealt with in accordance with the work instruction and laid down procedure. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Electronically sorted by data type and data field within a data type.
  • Transferred to a central or temporary database.
  • Transferred to other computer equipment/hardware/users.
  • Reformatted or exported to other software applications.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The workplace is cleaned in accordance with documented and good housekeeping practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The original raw data sheets and required completion reports are submitted in the required format in accordance with laid down procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The completion of the work is communicated to the relevant personnel. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise.
  • 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 
    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:
  • The cognitive ability to read and interpret raw geological related data in a spatial context.
  • The ability to correctly identify the most appropriate data capturing process to decrease workload and to increase productivity.
  • The application and constraints of the available software and hardware.
  • The ability to identify and recognise anomalous conditions that effects the integrity of geological data interpretation and modelling. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking.
  • Note: The cognitive ability of the learner to identify anomalous data values and data types and the correcting of gross errors contributes to his/her problem solving ability. The ability to effectively identify and correct errors during the validation process will indicate the learner's problem solving capabilities by using critical and creative thinking to make decisions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.
  • Note: Other personnel will use the output of the learner's work and the effective interaction with these personnel will indicate that he/she can work effectively as a team member in the bigger organisational environment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Note: The effective organising and sorting of the raw data by data type and within data types and the consequent capturing of the data will indicate that the learner can organise and manage activities in his/her work environment. The selecting of the most appropriate data capturing software for the specific procedure will indicate that the learner can manage and organise activities responsibly and effectively. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Note: The ability of the learner to obtain/collect and organise the raw data and to critically evaluate this data for gross errors will enhance his/her proficiency to collect, analyse, organise and evaluate information. The correcting of errors that was detected during the validation process will indicate that the learner can critically evaluate his/her work output prior to submitting the data capturing results to other personnel. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations.
  • Note: The recording of anomalous raw data received and the outcome of error reports during the validation procedure and the reporting thereof in the correct format will indicate the learner's proficiency in written presentations. The reporting of hazardous and sub-standard conditions will indicate his/her proficiency in effective oral communication. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • Note: The correct application of the selected software to accurately capture data electronically in accordance with software requirements and laid down procedures will indicate the learner's appropriate application of science and technology. Responsibility toward the environment and health of others is not applicable to this unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
  • Note: The ability of the learner to identify anomalous raw data values and the correcting thereof and to deal with these conditions by applying problem solving techniques will indicate his/her proficiency in understanding that a specific action or decisions taken have more than one effect. The correcting of a specific data type or data field within a data type can effect the data values of another data types and the correct manipulation of the other data type will indicate that the learner understands the relationship between various data types. 
    		•

    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 12187, "Electronic data capturing for geological interpretation and modelling purposes", Level 4, 6 credits.

    Terminology:

    Specified Requirements:

    Specified requirements include legal and site-specific requirements and are contained in one or more of the following documents:

    Site Specific:
  • Managerial instructions, including work instructions.
  • Codes of practice.
  • Standard task procedures.
  • Software and hardware provider documentation.
  • Working guides.
  • Training manuals.
  • Education manuals.

    Electronic data capturing represents a complete process where:
  • The data is received from various sources and can include laboratory results, field borehole data, sampling data, map data or mine-geological data.
  • The raw data is organised in a sequential manner according to the data type and the specific data field within a data type and evaluated to identify gross irregularities, which is immediate corrected or reported if requested.
  • The appropriate software is selected that is applicable to the capturing of the specific data or data type.
  • The data is captured electronically and saved at regular intervals to prevent the loss of captured data in the event of a communication failure (power cut).
  • The data is validated for technical correctness after capturing to ensure the integrity of the data that will be used by other personnel.
  • The necessary documentation is compiled and the completion of the outcome reported to the relevant personnel.

    Raw data can be any one or a combination of the following types:
  • Laboratory data in an electronic format that is different to the required format.
  • Hard copies, which can include field borehole logs, sampling reports, analytical reports.
  • Mine-geological data in an electronic format or hard copy.
  • Geological maps/plans for digitising.

    Software:
  • Software is a computer programme that is specifically designed to capture data from hard copies or the transfer/reformat of existing electronic data into another required format. The software can be commercial or customised packages used by the individual company/institution.

    Hardware is the equipment that is used to capture or transfer/reformat data into the required format and can be any one or a combination of the following:
  • Personal computers (PC's) of various types where the data will reside on the specific computer.
  • Interfaces with mainframe computers or other type of computers where the captured data will reside on another machine.
  • Digitisers where map data is transformed into electronic data.
  • Scanners where hard copies are transferred into a digital image. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  65549   National Certificate: Mining Technical Support  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 


    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.