Unit of competency
Modification History
Release 1. Unit code changed. Application changed. Performance Criteria changed. Foundation Skills populated. Assessment Requirements changed. Supersedes and is equivalent to MSS024017 Collect spatial and discrete environmental data.
Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to obtain and store spatial and discrete environmental data using handheld global positioning system (GPS) equipment.
This unit applies to environmental technicians and similar roles who are required to interpret specifications, plan data collection, set up and operate GPS equipment, process and store data and complete documentation.
This unit applies in a range of industry sectors including but not limited to environmental monitoring, sampling and field testing; geotechnical services; natural resource management; occupational hygiene monitoring; groundwater and clean water; water treatment, storm and wastewater management; site remediation and rehabilitation.
No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must be applied.
Pre-requisite Unit
Nil
Competency Field
Environmental monitoring and technology
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements |
Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare for data collection |
1.1 Read and interpret legislative and regulatory requirements, workplace requirements and background information relevant to site or project 1.2 Locate, read and interpret specifications for spatial and environmental data collection 1.3 Write a data collection plan in accordance with specifications 1.4 Establish codes for environmental attributes 1.5 Assemble equipment and check that it is fit for purpose 1.6 Clarify and/or confirm plan with supervisor |
2. Safely collect GPS and environmental data |
2.1 Set up environmental measuring instruments on site and perform pre-use or calibration checks 2.2 Set up GPS equipment with correct datum and projection settings 2.3 Operate instruments and equipment in accordance with manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures 2.4 Determine conditions for obtaining optimum GPS positions 2.5 Collect point positional data in accordance with data collection plan 2.6 Attribute environmental data for each location 2.7 ‘Ground truth’ GPS data using maps, aerial photos or satellite imagery 2.8 Verify environmental data, identify atypical results and review procedures and troubleshoot equipment 2.9 Apply hazard identification and risk control measures relevant to identified risks |
3. Report data and finalise documentation |
3.1 Use GPS software to download and process GPS and environmental data and extract required information 3.2 Use specified quality tests and workplace procedures to check acceptability of environmental data 3.3 Complete required documentation according to procedures 3.4 Maintain the security and confidentiality of data and documentation in accordance with workplace requirements |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance but not explicit in the performance criteria.
- Reading skills to interpret workplace requirements and work specifications
- Writing skills to complete documentation and/or reports
- Oral communication skills to liaise with and take feedback from supervisor
- Numeracy skills to take readings and measurements and verify data.
Other foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit.
Unit Mapping Information
Release 1. Supersedes and is equivalent to MSS024017 Collect spatial and discrete environmental data.
Links
Companion Volume Implementation Guides are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=5b04f318-804f-4dc0-9463-c3fb9a3fe998