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

National Certificate: Geographical Information Sciences 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
49063  National Certificate: Geographical Information Sciences 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Geographical Information Sciences 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CETA - Construction Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Physical Planning, Design and Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  121  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
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 qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
This qualification has been developed for the Geographical Information Science (GISc) occupational area. It aims, through a planned combination of unit standards, to equip learners with skills and knowledge to undertake GISc related tasks and duties in an operational environment, by applying spatial data in different forms for specified outcomes in relation to the generic application of geographical information systems in the fields of map production, spatial awareness and data capturing.

This qualification has been developed to assist with professional advancement across the GISc industry. This will allow learners to register as a systems operator in the Geo-informatics field and lay a foundation for future career advancement in this learning area.

Rationale for the Qualification:

As a result of past legacies many practitioners within the Geographical Information Sciences or Geo-informatics occupational area were denied career advancement and possible registration with a relevant professional body. This was as a direct result of poor educational opportunities at some schools, leading to a lack of entry to higher education institutions. This qualification will address environmental issues that are relevant to the field of geo-informatics by allowing for the socio economic empowerment of learners whilst simultaneously improving the skills base of the country and underpin the country's economic development, planning, infrastructure and sustainable property and agricultural development.

The introduction of a National Certificate in GISc based on unit standards will therefore allow learners to enter the occupational area as Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Operators and to reach full potential of advancement without formal education becoming an impassable barrier and in addition, allow for the recognition of prior learning. It will further explore the Information Technology environment linking spatial data to their attributes stored in a secured computerised system that is underpinned by a proper disaster recovery facility.

The qualifying learner should be able to undertake GISc related tasks and duties in an operational environment by applying spatial data in different forms for specific outcomes and be able to register as a Systems Operator in the geo-informatics field. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that a learner entering a programme leading to this qualification has achieved a National Certificate at NQF level 4 or equivalent and is proficient in Numeracy including Mathematics and in Communication including writing of technical reports or has two years in GIS related experience.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

This qualification could be achieved wholly or in part through recognition of prior learning (RPL) which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and workplace experience in the GIS and related fields. Any learner who has met the requirements of any unit standard in this qualification and wish to be assessed may arrange to do so to the relevant Education and Training Authority (CETA) without having to attend further education or training. The applicant will be assessed against the specific outcomes and with the associated assessment criteria for the relevant unit standard(s). The assessor will decide on the most appropriate assessment procedures after discussion with the learner. Because this is a unit standard based qualification, any learner who demonstrates competence as required by the fundamental, core and relevant elective unit standards to access this qualification. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
All unit standards within the Fundamental and Core have to be completed.

The learning components and credit allocations are:
Fundamental: Credits 38
Core: Credits 63
Elective: Credits 20 (minimum)

A minimum of 20 credits from the Elective must be completed for the qualification. The learning areas listed below and relevant unit standard titles are identified to assist users, and not as a conclusive list:

Basic Workflow:
  • Manage a work process; and
  • Develop, implement and manage a project/activity plan.

    Spatial Analysis:
  • Perform spatial analysis under supervision; and
  • Perform spatial statistical analysis and communicate findings.

    System and software operation:
  • Operate a geographical information system and components thereof; and
  • Design and produce cartographic products and maps with the use of a Geographical Information System.

    Data Transfer:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of digital data transfer.

    Data Manipulation:
  • Identify and select the appropriate map projection and carry out conversions (between map projections) for a specific project;
  • Select a map projection and transform data between projections or ellipsoids;
  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of vector transformation principles;
  • Select a map projection for cartographic design and production; and
  • Aggregate and integrate vector geo-information data.

    Data Collection & Capture:
  • Assess fitness for use of spatial data;
  • Demonstrate knowledge of capture methods for primary spatial data; and
  • Demonstrate knowledge of sources for spatial data.

    Basic Remote sensing:
  • Apply basic photogrammetric compilation principles for map production;
  • Geo-referencing of image/Remote sensing data according to specifications; and
  • Prepare a satellite imagery. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    The Exit Level Outcomes indicate a planned combination of Specific Outcomes and Critical-Cross Outcomes in terms of competent and applied performance capturing the Core, Fundamental and Elective Unit Standards with Associated Assessment Criteria. These at least indicate explicit exit points should a learner fail to complete the qualification.

    On achieving this qualification a learner will be able to:

    1. Undertake work in the field of geo-informatics or geographical information science in any working environment by collecting, presenting and managing spatial data in differing forms.
    2. Relevant spatial data are imported into Geographic Information System (GIS).
    3. Spatial data is managed under supervision by applying suitable back-up, archiving and storage procedures in a secured environment.
    4. Use a wide variety of instruments, techniques, workstations, computer systems and software to collect and process spatial information.
    5. Evaluate raw and processed data and confirm acceptance of Geo-informatics results.
    6. Display an understanding of spatial awareness required in support of the practical outcomes in the form of geographical spatial information, attribute data and meta data.
    7. Capture attribute data to further describe geographical features according to user requirements.
    8. Demonstrate an understanding of the different statutes and related policies governing the GIS field as related to professional ethics, values and safety.

    Generic exit level outcomes:

    Work effectively within a team/group or individually under supervision while continuously monitoring and adapting own performance. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Assessment criteria associated with exit level outcomes:

    1. Different spatial data sources are identified and collected.
    2. Spatial data are manipulated and presented in specified formats in accordance with the task requirements, for example, plans, maps, images, charts, graphs.
    3. Spatial analysis is performed to present derived spatial statistical results in specified formats.
    4. Basic survey and/or remote sensing techniques are applied for collecting spatial information by using instruments and techniques such as elementary global positioning systems and/or photogrammetary.
    5. Computer systems and software are used on the GIS workstations to process spatial information.
    6. Raw and processed data are evaluated according to fitness for purpose to comply with intended results.
    7.
  • The basic concepts and principles in the in GISc are explained and described in terms of data structures and geographical features.
  • Task specific meta data is captured in compliance with the national standards.
    8. Relevant sections relating to professional ethics, values and safety contained in the GIS statutes and other policies regulating the GIS environment are described and explained.

    Generic assessment criteria:

    1. Identify GIS related problems and solutions that address own life situations and communicate the results to the GIS community and the world at large using Mathematics and communication skills.
    2. GIS related problems are identified and solutions are formulated and knowledge of Geographic Information System is used in such a way as to minimize reoccurrence or inefficiencies in this respect.
    3. Problems related to his/her own life situations are identified and solved in which responses show that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.
    4. Visual Mathematics and language skills in the modes of oral and written presentations are used to communicate effectively with the GISc community and the world at large.
    5. An ability to work individually or within a team/group under supervision is demonstrated.
    6. An ability to monitor and adapt one's performance is demonstrated.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Integrated assessment provides learners with an opportunity to display an ability to integrate practical performance, actions, concepts and theory across unit standards to achieve competence in relation to the purpose of this qualification. Learners will therefore be expected to demonstrate competence that integrates the assessment of all specific outcomes before qualifying for this qualification, as well as give evidence that they have attained embedded knowledge and specific skills contained in specific outcomes for each relevant unit standard.

    Assessment shall:
  • Measure the quality of the observed practical performance as well as the theory and underpinning knowledge behind it.
  • Use methods that are varied to allow the learner to display thinking and decision making in the demonstration of practical performance.
  • Maintain a balance between practical performance and theoretical assessment methods to ensure each is measured in accordance with the level of the qualification.
  • The relationship between practical and theoretical is not fixed but varies according to the type and level of qualification.

    Summative assessment:

    Summative assessment is carried out at the end of the learning period to confirm that the learner has demonstrated the required competencies against a particular unit standard. A detailed portfolio of evidence should be provided in this instance to prove the practical, applied and foundational competencies of the learner.

    Formative assessment:

    The assessment criteria for formative assessment are describes in the various unit standards. This type of assessment will take place during the process of learning and assessors should be fair and consistent in their approach of assessment and therefore use a range of assessment tools that support each other to assess competencies. These include:
  • Projects.
  • Structured group discussions.
  • Experiential learning.
  • Working in teams.
  • Portfolio of evidence.
  • Oral or written report backs. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Within the Geo-informatics field the concept of qualifications based on unit standards is not unique to South Africa. A learner having gained this Qualification will be able to register with the South African Council for Professional and Technical Surveyors (PLATO) in terms of Act 40 of 1984 and through this body's reciprocal agreements with other similar bodies gain international recognition.

    In terms of international comparisons, none truly exists as this is a new discipline. Those available are at a higher level, and at this level we have extracted relevant aspects. This qualification has been referenced specifically to the international UNIGIS Certificates (Honours and Masters levels) and URISA (American GIS Society) which is currently still being developed. The New Zealand qualification (NZQA) was also evaluated at the same level and it was found that some aspects were lacking. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal articulation is possible with:
  • National Certificate: Geographical Information System, NQF Level 5
  • National Certificate: Geographical Science, NQF Level 5 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQAs policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation; in terms of agreements reached around assessment and moderation between ETQAs (including professional bodies); and in terms of the moderation guideline detailed immediately below.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification.
  • Anyone wishing to become an assessor or provider of learning must provide an affordable assessment / learning service. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant needs:
  • A minimum of 2 (two) years' relevant occupational experience.
  • To be declared competent in all the outcomes of the National Assessor Unit Standards as stipulated by SAQA.
  • To be in possession of a relevant qualification at NQF Level 6 or higher. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  116864  Assess fitness for use of spatial data  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  13 
    Core  116828  Demonstrate a basic understanding of geographical space and spatial relationships  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  12 
    Core  116831  Demonstrate an understanding of the capabilities of Geo-Information Systems  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  7 
    Core  116874  Demonstrate basic understanding of GIS vector data structures for data acquisition  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  3 
    Core  116821  Prepare a satellite imagery  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Core  116833  Use geo-information output products  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Core  11821  Design a cartographic product according to cartographical specifications and design standards  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  8 
    Fundamental  14274  Apply basic photogrammetric compilation principles for map production  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Fundamental  10043  Develop, implement and manage a project/activity plan  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Fundamental  116823  Disseminate spatial data  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  2 
    Fundamental  15233  Harness diversity and build on strengths of a diverse working environment  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  3 
    Fundamental  116832  Manage a work process  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  3 
    Fundamental  14275  Operate a geographical information system and components thereof  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Fundamental  116834  Perform spatial analysis under supervision  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Fundamental  116830  Perform spatial statistical analysis  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  2 
    Fundamental  14277  Select a map projection for cartographic design and production  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Fundamental  11820  Select a map projection and transform data between projections or ellipsoids  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  3 
    Elective  116835  Aggregate and integrate vector geo-information data  Level 4  NQF Level 04  7 
    Elective  116901  Apply basic Geo-Information System (GIS) raster software functions  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Elective  116819  Apply basic Geographic Information System (GIS) vector software functions  Level 4  NQF Level 04  2 
    Elective  7465  Collect and use data to establish complex statistical and probability models and solve related problems  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Elective  14934  Demonstrate an understanding of hardware components for personal computers or handheld computers  Level 4  NQF Level 04  7 
    Elective  116869  Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of geographical features  Level 4  NQF Level 04  3 
    Elective  116829  Demonstrate knowledge of capturing methods for primary spatial data  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
    Elective  116824  Demonstrate knowledge of sources for spatial data  Level 4  NQF Level 04  1 
    Elective  14926  Describe information systems departments in business organisations  Level 4  NQF Level 04  3 
    Elective  116825  Design and produce hard copy geo-information output under supervision  Level 4  NQF Level 04  7 
    Elective  116817  Geo-reference image / remote sense data according to specifications  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Elective  11725  Interpret photographic detail from aerial photography for annotation purposes  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Elective  12417  Measure, estimate & calculate physical quantities & explore, critique & prove geometrical relationships in 2 and 3 dimensional space in the life and workplace of adult with increasing responsibilities  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Elective  14920  Participate in groups and/or teams to recommend solutions to problems  Level 4  NQF Level 04  3 
    Elective  8979  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Elective  7468  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business, national and international issues  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Elective  14276  Design and produce cartographic products and maps with use of a geographical information system  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    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.
     
    1. ESRI SOUTH AFRICA 


    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.