MSS024011 - Navigate in urban, regional and remote areas assessment tool

Assessor Resource

MSS024011
Navigate in urban, regional and remote areas

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024

This unit of competency covers the ability to read and interpret maps, plans and photos to locate position and navigate safe and efficient routes to urban and regional/remote destinations. This unit does not cover conducting field work in remote locations.

This unit of competency is applicable to environmental technicians working in all industry sectors as well as a wide range of other technicians, paraprofessionals, operators and drivers.

While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, environmental monitoring and management activities are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.		Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.
1	Navigate in urban areas	1.1	Access relevant street directories and road maps.
		1.2	Recognise and interpret map symbols.
		1.3	Use the directory index to locate departure and destination points on map.
		1.4	Trace the pre-determined or most efficient route on map and estimate distance and duration of journey.
		1.5	Identify significant intersections/landmarks along route to assist with navigation.
		1.6	Identify alternate routes in case of emergencies or significant traffic delays.
		1.7	Follow selected route correctly.

2	Plan routes in regional/remote areas	2.1	Locate and review relevant legislative/regulatory, workplace requirements and background information for site/project.
		2.2	Select suitable maps, aerial photos, guides and/or charts and check their currency and accuracy.
		2.3	Select navigational equipment, check that it is fit for purpose and service or replace, as necessary.
		2.4	Interpret map symbols and navigation data to identify departure/destination points, potential hazards and select an appropriate traverse route.
		2.5	Estimate distance and duration of journey using map scale and available information about the terrain and vehicle.

3	Navigate in regional/remote areas	3.1	Correctly orientate map with surroundings.
		3.2	Identify field position and destination on map using landforms, landmarks and/or navigation equipment.
		3.3	Correctly use navigation aids, equipment and maps to follow planned route and schedule.
		3.4	Use alternate routes to avoid hazards, safely bypass obstacles or improve efficiency of route.
		3.5	Maintain communication in accordance with workplace procedures.

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

reading and interpreting maps, plans and photos to locate their position and navigating safe and efficient routes to at least two (2) different locations (urban and non-urban)

locating and interpreting relevant maps, route requirements, manuals and site/project information

identifying and safely following a pre-determined route

recognising potential hazards and surroundings and interpreting maps, signs and navigation data in a timely manner

developing safe, alternative routes in response to unforseen or changed circumstances

estimating distance, average speed and journey times, and bearings

seeking advice when issues/problems are beyond scope of competence/responsibility

following procedures for working safely and responding to emergency incidents and accidents.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

types of maps, charts, aerial photos and advantages and/or disadvantages of their use

use and manipulation of scales used on maps and plans

symbols and representation of topographical features on maps and plans

functional components of a compass/global positioning system (GPS) and factors affecting compass/GPS accuracy

techniques for estimating distance and taking bearings

relevant hazards, health, safety and environment requirements.

Judgement of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace, or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).

Holistic assessment methods include:

review of route plans/transport records prepared by the candidate

feedback from peers and/or supervisors that the candidate can navigate accurately and consistently; and follows workplace procedures covering safety and travel

oral and/or written questions to assess the candidateâ€™s knowledge of planning routes and using maps and navigation data

observation of the candidate navigating safely and efficiently between specified map locations.

Access is required to all instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures, and specifications associated with this unit including, but not limited to:

physical resources required for navigation task, such as maps, laptop computer/internet/phone, GPS, compass and photos

documentation including site/project history, user manuals, workplace procedures (e.g. safety and travel).

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

The assessor must demonstrate both technical competency and currency.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR

relevant workplace experience

Currency can be demonstrated through:

performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR

having consulted with an organisation providing environmental monitoring, management or technology related services about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title] Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.		Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.
1	Navigate in urban areas	1.1	Access relevant street directories and road maps.
		1.2	Recognise and interpret map symbols.
		1.3	Use the directory index to locate departure and destination points on map.
		1.4	Trace the pre-determined or most efficient route on map and estimate distance and duration of journey.
		1.5	Identify significant intersections/landmarks along route to assist with navigation.
		1.6	Identify alternate routes in case of emergencies or significant traffic delays.
		1.7	Follow selected route correctly.

2	Plan routes in regional/remote areas	2.1	Locate and review relevant legislative/regulatory, workplace requirements and background information for site/project.
		2.2	Select suitable maps, aerial photos, guides and/or charts and check their currency and accuracy.
		2.3	Select navigational equipment, check that it is fit for purpose and service or replace, as necessary.
		2.4	Interpret map symbols and navigation data to identify departure/destination points, potential hazards and select an appropriate traverse route.
		2.5	Estimate distance and duration of journey using map scale and available information about the terrain and vehicle.

3	Navigate in regional/remote areas	3.1	Correctly orientate map with surroundings.
		3.2	Identify field position and destination on map using landforms, landmarks and/or navigation equipment.
		3.3	Correctly use navigation aids, equipment and maps to follow planned route and schedule.
		3.4	Use alternate routes to avoid hazards, safely bypass obstacles or improve efficiency of route.
		3.5	Maintain communication in accordance with workplace procedures.

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.
Legislation, regulations, standards, codes, workplace procedures and requirements include the latest version of one or more of:	federal legislation, such as Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, Australian Heritage Council Act, Native Title Act and National Environmental Protection Measures state/territory government legislation and local government by-laws, policies, regulations and plans dealing with land use, acquisition and planning; environmental protection; cultural/heritage sites; vegetation management; nature conservation and wildlife/plant protection; water and water management; soil conservation; pollution and contaminated sites; fisheries, forestry and mining operations legislation, standards and codes of practice for work health and safety (WHS) and handling of dangerous goods Australian and international standards covering environmental management such as AS/NZS ISO 14000 Basic Set:2007 Environmental Management Basic Set registration/licensing and/or accreditation requirements workplace documents, such as standard operating procedures (SOPs), work schedules, recording and reporting procedures, vehicle and equipment manuals and warranties; safety data sheets (SDS) and safety procedures.
Background information includes one or more of:	site or project history, and project reports client history records of consultations with stakeholders and current issues details of local inhabitants and landowners site access protocols and permits site access and exit routes maps, guide books and aerial photos information about terrain, significant features, natural protection or shelter, and cultural heritage sites existing databases (e.g. vegetation, topography, soils and regional ecosystem maps) safe work procedures communication protocols when working in remote/regional areas emergency plan and response procedures.
Maps include one or more of:	cadastral maps showing land tenure/ownership topographical maps charts and guidebooks aerial photos, sketch maps and diagrams web-based maps and directories street directories.
Navigational equipment and aids include one or more of:	global positioning system (GPS) units compass track and survey markers, cairns, signs and arrows navigation beacons.
Map symbols and navigation data include one or more of:	map legend and scale entry and exit routes distances and estimated travel times grid lines and numbers, and grid reference points contour lines, gradient and altitude gain/loss magnetic variation/declination, grid and magnetic bearings identifiable features (natural and built) navigation/survey markers, beacons and water depth.
Surroundings include one or more of:	terrain, such as hills, mountains, ridges and valleys natural landforms/landmarks, such as caves, observation towers, trig stations, bridges, buildings, and track and creek junctions/crossings water bodies, such as creeks, rivers, dams and lakes.
Hazards and obstacles include one or more of:	extreme weather, such as wind, rain, fog and snow damage to roads and tracks thick/impenetrable vegetation unsafe gradients marshes, soft sand or bogs impassable water crossings.
WHS requirements include:	compliance with relevant federal/state/territory WHS legislation at all times assuming that samples are potentially hazardous and applying standard precautions accessing and applying current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and state/territory Departments of Health, where relevant.