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 an understanding of the basic principles of geographical features 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
116869  Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of geographical features 
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 4  NQF Level 04  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 the principles of geographical features and their applicability to the geographical data model.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of geographical features and layers.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of topology.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of feature types.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of feature attributes. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Basic Computer Literacy.
  • NQF 3 Numeracy and Literacy.
  • Geographical Literacy. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of geographical features and layers. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A feature as an abstraction of a real or imaginary world phenomenon can be described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Please note that a feature is a high-level abstract concept, to which spatial attributes (the geometry) and non-spatial attributes are attached. A feature is not just a vector object! 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A layer as a collection of real or imaginary world phenomena can described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Please note that a layer is a collection of geographical phenomena of the same geometric type, which for this Unit Standard are limited to the 2D primitives, point, line or polygon. 2D primitives might have height values. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The difference between using a feature and a layer for representing a real-world phenomenon can be shown. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate an understanding of topology. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The basic types of topology are identified and can be explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Intersection, coincidence, adjacency, containment and their inverses.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The manner in which topology links features and geometry is explained and can be shown. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Basic topological models for geographical data are explained and can be differentiated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Please note that the topological relationship of connectivity is a key insight that the candidate must have for the network model. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Network model, Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN)
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Some benefits of topology and its usage can be listed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Including, but not limited to, data cleaning, boundary sharing, relationships between features, buffering.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate an understanding of feature types. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Point, line, polygon. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A feature type as a mechanism for collecting or classifying features based on their primary characteristics, is understood and can be explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Please note that a feature type is also known as a feature class. The primary characteristic is the one of most interest to the user, and hence the one they would select for defining their feature types. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The continuum between feature types and feature attributes is illustrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The correct feature type can be selected from a feature catalogue and/or feature classification scheme. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Please note that the key principle is that one person's attribute could be another's feature type - an expert in a particular field (eg: forestry) would classify a feature (eg: a tree) to a finer level (eg: to species), than would someone with only a peripheral interest in the feature. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The correct feature type is selected and assigned the appropriate attribute data where required. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate an understanding of feature attributes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A feature attribute as a characteristic of a feature is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Attribute name, attribute definition, attribute type, attribute value domain.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The Geometrical properties of features are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Size, shape, dimensionality.
     


    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. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Solve problems.
  • A feature as an abstraction of a real or imaginary world phenomenon can be described.
  • A layer as a collection of real or imaginary world phenomena can described.
  • The difference between using a feature and a layer for representing a real-world phenomenon can be shown.
  • The basic types of topology are identified and can be explained.
  • The manner in which topology links features and geometry is explained and can be shown.
  • Basic topological models for geographical data are explained and can be differentiated.
  • Some benefits of topology and its usage can be listed.
  • A feature type as a mechanism for collecting or classifying features based on their primary characteristics, is understood and can be explained.
  • The continuum between feature types and feature attributes is illustrated.
  • The correct feature type can be selected from a feature catalogue and/or feature classification scheme.
  • The correct feature type is selected and assigned the appropriate attribute data where required. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team / group / organisation or community.
  • The correct feature type is selected and assigned the appropriate attribute data where required. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Some benefits of topology and its usage can be listed.
  • The correct feature type is selected and assigned the appropriate attribute data where required. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, organise and critically evaluate Information.
  • A feature as an abstraction of a real or imaginary world phenomenon can be described.
  • A layer as a collection of real or imaginary world phenomena can described.
  • The difference between using a feature and a layer for representing a real-world phenomenon can be shown.
  • The basic types of topology are identified and can be explained.
  • The manner in which topology links features and geometry is explained and can be shown.
  • Basic topological models for geographical data are explained and can be differentiated.
  • A feature type as a mechanism for collecting or classifying features based on their primary characteristics, is understood and can be explained.
  • The continuum between feature types and feature attributes is illustrated.
  • The correct feature type can be selected from a feature catalogue and/or feature classification scheme.
  • The correct feature type is selected and assigned the appropriate attribute data where required. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, Mathematics and language skills in the Modes of oral and written presentations.
  • The difference between using a feature and a layer for representing a real-world phenomenon can be shown.
  • The manner in which topology links features and geometry is explained and can be shown.
  • Some benefits of topology and its usage can be listed.
  • The continuum between feature types and feature attributes is illustrated. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically (showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others).
  • The difference between using a feature and a layer for representing a real-world phenomenon can be shown.
  • Basic topological models for geographical data are explained and can be differentiated.
  • A feature type as a mechanism for collecting or classifying features based on their primary characteristics, is understood and can be explained.
  • The correct feature type can be selected from a feature catalogue and/or feature classification scheme. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems.
  • A feature as an abstraction of a real or imaginary world phenomenon can be described.
  • A layer as a collection of real or imaginary world phenomena can described.
  • The difference between using a feature and a layer for representing a real-world phenomenon can be shown.
  • The manner in which topology links features and geometry is explained and can be shown.
  • Basic topological models for geographical data are explained and can be differentiated.
  • Some benefits of topology and its usage can be listed.
  • A feature type as a mechanism for collecting or classifying features based on their primary characteristics, is understood and can be explained.
  • The correct feature type can be selected from a feature catalogue and/or feature classification scheme.
  • The correct feature type is selected and assigned the appropriate attribute data where required. 
    		•

    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.
  • Metadata: 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  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  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 


    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.