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

Understand concepts and theory of networks 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
258645  Understand concepts and theory of networks 
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 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  10 
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 Network Analysis.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Describe the different types of networks.
  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of network data structures.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the techniques used for network analysis.
  • Show an ability to set up and use an existing network model. 
    		•

    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 terms of the following:
  • National Certificate of GISc.
  • Communication at NQF Level 5.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The following scope and context applies to the whole unit standard:
  • Include but not limited to natural and built networks e.g. rivers, ocean currents, transport and communication networks.

    Specific range statements are provided in the body of the unit standard where they apply to particular specific outcomes or assessment criteria. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe the different types of networks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The nature of linear network features are described in relation to the theory of networks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The geometrical characteristics of linear features are described in relation to types networks. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Chain, network.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The spatial attributes of linear features can be measured. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Length, orientation, direction, topology.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The different types of networks are correctly described in relation to the theory of networks. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Included but not limited to planar, (paths, trees, circuits), non-planar, open and closed (directed and non-directed).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Differences and similarities between the various types of networks are listed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Examples of types of networks are listed. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate a basic understanding of network data structures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The vector representation of networks are described in relation to the concepts and theory of networks. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Node, line, connectivity, topology.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Topological relationships are constructed for a network. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Different linear referencing measures are explained in relation to the concepts and theory of networks. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Point (milepost), linear (continuous, discrete).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Dynamic segmentation is explained in relation to the concepts and theory of networks. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Events, routes, sections.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Connectivity matrices are constructed for a network. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the techniques used for network analysis. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Descriptive statistics are computed correctly for linear features. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Directional mean, circular variance, sinuosity.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Descriptive statistics are computed correctly for networks. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Connectivity (Gamma & Alpha Indices), Accessibility (Koenig number).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Stream drainage networks are quantitatively described in relation of network analysis. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Density, stream order, bifurcation ratio.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate an ability to set up and use an existing network model. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Modeling concepts are explained in the context of networks. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Nodes/junctions, vertices, arcs/segments/links/edges, impedances (distance/time/cost/social), barriers, routes, shortest routes, tours, allocations, traces, turntables, stops, centers, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The purpose of the selected model is described in relation to the concepts and theory of networks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The required data to run the model are loaded into the GIS. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The required parameters for running the model are entered. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The model is successfully activated and built. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The required results of the model are generated in relation to an existing network model. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The resultant model is interpreted in the context of existing networks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The impact of incorrect data on network analysis is understood and explained in relation to an existing network model. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Including but not limited to unconnected parts of the network, missing constraints and nodes, overpasses and underpasses, flow direction, etc.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • 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. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Solve problems. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team/group/organisation or community. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, organise and critically evaluate information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematics and language skills in the modes of oral and written presentations. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically (showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others). 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Display an understanding of the world as a set of related systems. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to the full development of each learner and the social and economic development of society at large. 

    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 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  63589   National Diploma: Geographical Information Science  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CETA 
    Elective  63689   Bachelor of Arts: Geographical Information Science  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2018-06-30   
    Elective  63711   Bachelor of Geographical Information Science (GISc)  Level 7  NQF Level 07  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2018-06-30   


    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.