Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to perform basic spatial computations. It requires the accuracy and ability to follow specifications. Functions would be carried out under direct supervision and within organisational guidelines.

Application of the unit 

This unit of competency supports the application of accuracy, communication and problem-solving skills, and an understanding of technology. The skills and knowledge acquired upon completion of this unit would support the needs of employees in field work and data collection.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements may impact on this unit. Incorporate these requirements according to state, territory and federal legislation.

Prerequisite units 

Nil

Employability skills 

The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of employability skills. The Employability Skills Summary of the qualification in which this unit of competency is packaged, will assist in identifying employability skills requirements.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised  text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge and/or the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Prepare to perform basic traverse computations .

1.1 Task objectives  are defined.

1.2 Pertinent standards  are identified, considered and adhered to in line with project specifications .

2 Execute the task .

2.1 Computations are performed on angles and bearings.

2.2 Conversions between polar and rectangular modes are performed.

2.3 Computations are performed on the coordinates of a simple closed traverse .

2.4 Organisational documented and undocumented practices  are adhered to.

2.5 OHS  requirements are planned for and adhered to.

2.6 Skills and knowledge are updated to accommodate changes in operating environment and equipment.

3 Document the task .

3.1 All required documentation is completed according to organisational guidelines .

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required skills :

• ability to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities
• analytical skills (basic)
• communication skills to:

• discuss vocational issues effectively with colleagues
• impart knowledge and ideas through oral, written and visual means

• computer skills (technical user level)
• literacy skills to:

• assess and use workplace information
• interpret and understand legal, financial and procedural requirements
• process workplace documentation
• read and record data
• research and access routine sources of spatial data

• numeracy skills to:

• accurately record and collate
• accurately use a calculator
• apply the basic principles of algebra, geometry and trigonometry
• mentally evaluate data for approximate results
• undertake basic computations

• organisational skills to prioritise daily activities
• spatial skills to:

• apply understanding of height, depth, breadth, dimension and position to actual operational activity and virtual representation
• exercise precision and accuracy in computations.

Required knowledge and understanding :

• accuracy requirements
• basic industry requirements and standards
• basic principles of algebra, circular geometry and trigonometry
• basic surveying computations involving basic mathematical principles
• knowledge, understanding and application of significance in calculations
• safe work practices
• spatial reference systems (basic)
• vocational problems involving computations of survey traverses
• vocational problems involving oblique triangles.

Overview of assessment 

This unit of competency could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function, for example unit CPPSIS3005A Collect basic spatial data.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of ability to ensure that accuracy is achieved in:

• applying mathematical principles and skills to a range of surveying problems
• basic documenting
• understanding basic mathematical concepts and techniques
• conducting calculations in a logical and thorough manner
• understanding the purpose of numerically solving surveying problems
• understanding the requirement for accuracy in surveying calculations
• using check equations where possible
• using formulae appropriately and obtaining results correctly.

Specific resources for assessment 

Resource implications for assessment include access to:

• assessment instruments, including personal planner and assessment record book
• assignment instructions, work plans and schedules, policy documents and duty statements
• registered training provider of assessment services
• relevant guidelines, regulations and codes of practice
• suitable venue and equipment.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Context of assessment 

Holistic: based on the performance criteria, evidence guide, range statement, and required skills and knowledge.

Method of assessment 

Demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor (or assessment team working together to conduct the assessment).

Demonstrated competency in a range of situations, that may include customer/workplace interruptions and involvement in related activities normally experienced in the workplace.

Obtained by observing activities in the field and reviewing induction information. If this is not practicable, observation in realistic simulated environments may be substituted.

Guidance information for assessment 

Assessment requires that the clients' objectives and industry expectations are met. If the clients' objectives are narrowly defined or not representative of industry needs, it may be necessary to refer to portfolio case studies of a variety of spatial information services requirements to assess competency.

Oral questioning or written assessment and hypothetical situations (scenarios) may be used to assess underpinning knowledge (in assessment situations where the candidate is offered a preference between oral questioning or written assessment, questions are to be identical).

Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence from existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.

All practical demonstration must adhere to the safety and environmental regulations relevant to each State or Territory.

Where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (recognition of current competencies [RCC] or recognition of prior learning [RPL]), the evidence provided will need to be authenticated and show that it represents competency demonstrated over a period of time.

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.

Assessment processes will be appropriate to the language and literacy levels of the candidate and any cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and will reflect the requirements of the competency and the work being performed.

Objectives  may include:

• agreed client requirements
• written survey data specifications.

Pertinent standards  are standards essential to the accuracy of:

• basic measurement:

• circular geometry
• trigonometry

• calculation of horizontal and vertical information
• recording.

Project specifications  refer to:

• detailed technical descriptions of the survey data and its requirements.

Traverse  refers to:

• a method of surveying in which lengths and directions of lines between points on the earth are obtained by or from field measurements and are used in determining positions of the points.

Organisational documented and undocumented practices  may include:

• appropriate timelines
• data processing requirements
• final product formats
• formal design parameters
• teamwork.

OHS  may include:

• Australian standards
• development of site safety plan
• identification of potential hazards
• inspection of work sites
• training staff in OHS requirements
• use of personal protective clothing
• use of safety equipment and signage.

Organisational guidelines  may include:

• code of ethics
• company policy
• legislation relevant to the work or service function, including equal employment opportunity (EEO)
• manuals
• OHS policies and procedures
• personnel practices and guidelines outlining work roles and responsibilities.

Unit sector 

Spatial information services