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

Understand concepts and processes of data conversion 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
258762  Understand concepts and processes of data conversion 
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  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
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 is useful for people who aim to achieve career advancement in the GIS field and provides them with essential knowledge in relation to data conversion.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Perform data conversions across spatial data models.
  • Explain the consequence of converting datasets.
  • Perform data conversions across spatial reference systems.
  • Perform data conversions between different spatial data formats. 
    		•

    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:
  • Operate a geographical information system and components thereof.
  • Demonstrate GIS Software skills with an additional package.
  • Use different software components in a single solution.
  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of projections.
  • Communication at NQF Level 5.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    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 
    Perform data conversions across spatial data models. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Vector data is converted to raster data in terms of spatial data models. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Conversion rules, Issues.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Raster data is converted to vector data in terms of spatial data models. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Conversion rules, Issues.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Metadata for converted data is computed and compiled in terms of spatial data models. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Including but not limited to scale, precision, accuracy, descriptions.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Algorithms used for conversions are understood and explained as used in the context of GI systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Algorithms used for conversions are understood and explained as used in the context of GI systems. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain the consequence of converting datasets within a GI system environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The consequence of conversion in terms of positional accuracy is understood and explained in the context of GI systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The impact of conversion in terms of analysis and visualisation is understood and explained in the context of GI systems. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Including but not limited to scale, precision, accuracy, descriptions.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The consequence of conversion in terms of the accuracy of attributes associated with datasets are understood and explained in the context of GI systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Data loss due to conversion are understood and explained in the context of GI systems. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Perform data conversions across spatial reference systems within a GI system environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Data sets are converted from one datum to another within a GI system environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Including Clarke-1880 and WGS84 in the context of both raster and vector datasets.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Data sets are converted from one projection to another within a GI system environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Including but not limited to forward and inverse conversions between UTM, TM and Albers Equal Area.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Data sets are converted from one coordinate set to another within a GI system environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Including but not limited to forward and inverse conversions between DMS, DD, Cartesian Coordinates and LO coordinates.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The consequences of conversions across spatial reference systems are understood and explained within a GI system environment. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Perform data conversions between different spatial data formats within a GI system environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The information needed to successfully use spatial data exchange formats are explained within a GI system environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Including but not limited to:
  • Where and how units are converted.
  • Where and how spatial reference systems are converted.
  • How layer and symbology information is converted or exchanged.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Different formats for exchanging spatial data are understood and explained within a GI system environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Including but not limited to the:
  • ArcView SHP file set.
  • MapInfo file set.
  • ASCII data in the form of the Open GIS Consortium's Simple Feature Standard for SQL (SFS1).
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Data is converted using different file formats within a GI system environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    All of the formats listed above are to be used as both source and target in different conversions.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Details of the conversion process are reported in metadata statements within a GI system environment. 


    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 is dealt with under the specific outcomes section where "Demonstrate knowledge and understanding" is required. 

    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
    Core  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   
    Core  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.