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: 

Interpret a topographical map for navigational purposes 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
115468  Interpret a topographical map for navigational purposes 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Special Combat Capabilities 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Sovereignty of the State 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
2007-10-14  2010-04-07  SAQA 0480/09 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2011-04-07   2014-04-07  

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 is replaced by: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
376400  Interpret a topographical map for navigational purposes  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The qualifying learner is capable of identifying the correct map which he must make use of. The learner will be able to interpret map information in order to navigate on a given topographical map.

Persons credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Select a matching topographical map of an area of interest for navigational purposes.
  • Interpret map symbols as indicated in the map legend.
  • Convert real distance to distances relating to the scale of the map in use.
  • Utilise the coordinate system on the chosen map to indicate a surface position.
  • Describe the relationship between true North and magnetic North and its influence on navigation.
  • Determine bearings between two given points on a map.
  • Interpret the relief of a topographical map.
  • Plan a route through accessible terrain.
  • Prepare a topographical map for outdoor use.
    Persons credited with this unit standard will have a broad range of knowledge to apply and use the information on a given map and prepare a map for outdoor application. This competence will enhance the capabilities of security organisations to maintain peace and security within the community and the sovereignty of the RSA. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • English literacy skills required.
  • Basic mathematical skills (measure distance, degrees system, add, subtract, basic fractions, metric system)
  • Basic Geography skills (grids, scale, contours) 

  • UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Select a matching topographical map of an area of interest for navigational purposes. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Selection of 1:50 000 maps available in the RSA. The map must be current (latest version available) for reasons of accuracy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The RSA map reference identification system is used to locate a map of a given area. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The RSA map reference identification system is used to determine the adjacent maps and the relation to a given map. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The different types of maps and their specific uses are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The date of compilation/publication of the map is specified. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Interpret map symbols as indicated in the map legend. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The different colour codes utilised for map symbols are interpreted. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The use of symbols to communicate map information is explained by making use of practical examples. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Convert real distance to distances relating to the scale of the map in use. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Use of dividers.
  • Use of ruler.
  • Piece of paper or string for the measurement of a winding course.
  • Distance wheel. 

  • ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The term "map scale" and the use of different scale maps for different applications is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The scale of a given map is identified by pointing out how it is indicated on the map. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The conversion of real distance units to the scale of the given map is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The conversion on a given distance on a map to its real distance is demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Utilize the coordinate system on the chosen map to indicate a surface position. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • UTM System.
  • Military Grid Reference System
  • Latitude and Longitude 

  • ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The different coordinate systems in use are identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The use of the various coordinate systems is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The determination of a given position on the earths surface to within 100m on a 1:50 000 map is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The coordinates for a given position on a 1: 50 000 map are recorded. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Describe the relationship between true north and magnetic north and its influence on navigation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The differences between true and magnetic north and the natural influence of the earth are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Given a specific map the difference between true and magnetic north is indicated on the map. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The annual change between true and magnetic north is explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Determine bearings between two given points on a map. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The use of a protractor to measure the bearing between two given points on a map is demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Interpret the relief of a topographical map. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The term "contour interval" is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Using a 1: 50 000 topographical map, high ground and low ground is identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    With the aid of contours the different landforms are identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A cross section between two given points is used to illustrate understanding of gradients. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The gradient of a given slope on a 1: 50 000 topographical map is calculated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 8 
    Plan a route through accessible terrain. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The ability to interpret the lay of the land from a topographical map to select the best route to be followed is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A navigational table is drafted according to a given route on a map. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 9 
    Prepare a topographical map for outdoor use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The ability to seal and waterproof the map for outdoor use id demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The ability to fold the map in such a manner as to allow for easy use is demonstrated. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    1. Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.

    2. Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard or will assess this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.

    3. Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures.

    4. Anyone wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply to be assessed by any relevant assessment agency, assessor or provider institution, which is accredited by the relevant ETQA.

    5. For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant needs:
  • Well-developed interpersonal skills, subject matter experience and assessment experience.
  • As a minimum requirement, the assessor needs to be competent in the unit standard "Plan and Conduct assessment of learning outcomes" NQF level 5.
  • The subject matter experience of the assessor can be established by recognition of prior learning. 

  • UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Qualifying learners be able to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of:
  • The relationship between maps and the earth.
  • The relationship between true and magnetic north.
  • The coordinate systems used on the various maps.
  • The map reference identification system. 

  • UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking has been made. Learners are capable of identifying the correct map for use, and then solve various problems related to navigational planning that can occur during the use of a map. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community. The individual conducting the map work interprets orders from his senior in order to plan effectively on a map and make his planning understandable to the rest of the team. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively. Map work requires an organised set sequence of solving problems inclusive of the pre-arranging of measurement tolls in order to maintain a high degree of accuracy. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. Learners are capable of collecting, analysing and critically evaluating information necessary to effectively use a map. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual and language skills in modes of oral and written persuasion. Map work requires a thorough understanding of universally accepted terms in order to communicate efficiently with others. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others. Map work requires a thorough understanding of mathematics and natural sciences. This understanding leads to a comprehension of man-made and natural problems and the consequent problems arising from poor management of these resources. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    Assessors should keep in mind the following general guidelines and principles when designing and conducting assessments:

    1. Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the specific outcomes of the unit standard and ensure that the assessment is integrated rather than fragmented.

    2. 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.

    3. Assessment must include the demonstration either in the workplace or through simulation. A range of assessment methods should be used, including:
  • Direct observation - observe the learner while busy with map work in the field.
  • Simulation of a specific task - set a specific task for the learner to demonstrate in a simulated environment (e.g. demonstrating the folding of a map). 

  • UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard has been replaced by unit standard 376400, which is "Interpret a topographical map for navigational purposes", Level 5, 2 credits.

    Supplementary information

    Total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcomes:

    Classroom learning 3 Hours
    On-the-job learning 10 Hours
    Self directed learning 3 Hours
    Coaching required 4 Hours
    Other 0 Hours
    Total 20 Hours 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  60549   National Diploma: Aeronautical Information Management Practice  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2016-12-31  TETA 
    Core  48879   National Diploma: South African Special Forces Operations  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2010-04-07  Was SAS SETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  63309   National Certificate: Defensive Mission Control  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  SAS SETA 
    Elective  49852   National Diploma: Applied Military Intelligence  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  SAS SETA 
    Elective  49853   National Diploma: Defensive Mission Control  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered" 
    2008-09-17  Was SAS SETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  50500   National Diploma: Electronic Warfare  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  SAS SETA 


    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.