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

Demonstrate understanding of spatial modeling in GISc 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
258764  Demonstrate understanding of spatial modeling in GISc 
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 7  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7  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 spatial modeling with GIS.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the role of models in science.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of different types of spatial models.
  • Understand how to construct a spatial model.
  • Demonstrate the ability to use an existing spatial model in GIS. 
    		•

    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 outcomes or areas of learning when starting to learn towards this unit standard:
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 5.
  • Communication at NQF Level 5.
  • Elementary Statistics.
  • Spatial awareness contained in the unit standards for the B degree GISc.
  • GIS and related software contained in the unit standards for the B degree GISc. 
    		•

    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 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the role of models in science. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The nature of science is explained in the context of the range statement. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Meta-science, science, theory, models, laws, hypotheses, observations, facts.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The nature of scientific explanation is understood in the context of the range statement. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Deductive, inductive, genetic, functional.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Uses of models in science are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Characteristics of models are explained in the context of the range statement. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Selective, structured, suggestive, approximations, analogies, re-applicable.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Functions of models are explained in the context of the range statement. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Psychological, acquisitive, organizational, fertile, logical, normative, systematic, constructional, cognitive.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Definition of a model is correctly formulated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Advantages of using models are listed. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of different types of spatial models. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Different criteria for classification of models are listed in the context of the range statement. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Comprehensiveness, structure, theoretical foundations, modeling techniques.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Different classifications of models are presented in the context of the range statement. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Scale (physical/iconic & analogue), conceptual (diagrammatic), mathematical (deterministic & probabilistic), Temporal (Steady state (Static)/Transient (Dynamic), Spatial (Dimensionality: Lumped (0-D), Distributed (1-D Linear, 2-D Planar, 3-D Solid)), Integrated: Spatial-temporal.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Examples of different types of model are given in the context of the range statement. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Physical systems (Geomorphology, meteorology/climatology, hydrology); Socio-economic systems (Demography, sociology, economics, urban/settlements, industrial location, agricultural); Mixed/Integrated systems (Regions, organisms, eco-systems, diffusion, networks).
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Understand how to construct a spatial model. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The principles of model development are described in the context of the range statement. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Parsimony, modesty, accuracy, testability.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The steps in spatial model building are explained in the context of the range statement. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Problem identification, conceptualization (hypothesising/postulating), mathematical formulation/coding, data gathering, estimation/calibration, validation, application.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The pit-falls in model development are listed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The level of integration with GIS is specified and motivated in the context of the range statement. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Isolated, loosely coupled, tightly coupled, fully integrated.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The data structure of the spatial model is specified and motivated in the context of the range statement. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Stock matrix, interaction matrix, network, list, raster.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    A simple model flow chart is produced. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The GIS is selected and choice motivated in the context of the range statement. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Data structure, functionality, modularity, interoperability.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate the ability to use an existing spatial model in GIS. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose of the selected model is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The required data to run the model are loaded into the GIS. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The required parameters for running the model are entered. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The model is successfully activated and executed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The required results of the model are generated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The results of the spatial model are interpreted correctly. 


    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
    Fundamental  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   


    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.