Assessor Resource

MSS024011A
Navigate in urban, regional and remote areas

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


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.

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.

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

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Employability Skills

Not applicable.



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.

Overview of assessment

Competency must be demonstrated in the ability to perform consistently at the required standard.

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

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently apply the skills covered in this unit of competency in new and different situations and contexts. Critical aspects of assessment and evidence include:

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

interpreting surroundings, maps and navigation data in a timely manner

identifying and safely following a pre-determined route

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

working safely.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment.

Assessment should emphasise a workplace context and procedures found in the candidate’s workplace.

This unit of competency may be assessed with any field-based monitoring/survey unit, such as:

MSS024008A Recognise common geological landforms and samples

MSL974007A Undertake environmental field-based monitoring

MSL974009A Undertake field-based, remote sensing.

The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team.

Resources may include:

site/project history and reports

relevant enterprise procedures (e.g. safety and travel)

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

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

review of field work/transport records prepared by the candidate

feedback from peers and supervisors that the candidate can navigate accurately and consistently, follows enterprise procedures and works safely

oral/written questioning associated with planning routes and use of maps and navigation data

observation of the candidate navigating a variety of routes.

In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly.

Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.

The language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required to undertake the unit of competency in a work-like environment.

Guidance information for assessment

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.

Required skills

Required skills include:

applying legislative/regulatory and enterprise procedures (e.g. access, permits, environmental protection and safety)

using literacy skills to interpret maps, manuals and procedures

using mathematical skills to estimate distance, measure angles, average speed and time

recognising potential hazards, surroundings and navigational aids

solving problems, such as determining alternate routes

closely attending to details, such as the timely reading/interpreting of maps and rapid recognition of landforms/landmarks

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

working safely for the protection of self and others

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes:

types of maps, charts, aerial photos and advantages/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

Codes of practice

Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, it is expected the latest version will be used

Legislation, standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements

Legislation, standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements may include:

federal legislation, such as:

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

Australian Heritage Council Act 2003

Native Title Act 1993

state/territory government legislation and regulations and local government by-laws, policies, and plans dealing with:

land use, acquisition, planning and protection

environmental protection

cultural/heritage protection

vegetation management

nature conservation and wildlife/plant protection

water and water management

soil conservation

pollution and contaminated sites

fisheries, forestry and mining operations

Australian and international standards, such as:

AS/NZS ISO 14000 Set:2005 Environmental management standards set

enterprise or regulator procedures for sampling, monitoring and in-field testing

material safety data sheets (MSDS)

vehicle and equipment manuals

safe work procedures

Background information

Background information may include:

site or project history, and project reports

client history

records of consultations with stakeholders and current issues

details of local inhabitants, 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

Maps may include:

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

Navigational equipment and aids may include:

GPS units

compass

track and survey markers, cairns, signs and arrows

navigation beacons

Map symbols and navigation data

Map symbols and navigation data may include:

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

Surroundings may include:

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

Hazards and obstacles may include:

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

Occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental management requirements

OHS and environmental management requirements:

all operations must comply with enterprise OHS and environmental management requirements, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation - these requirements must not be compromised at any time

all operations assume the potentially hazardous nature of samples and require standard precautions to be applied

where relevant, users should access and apply current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and State and Territory Departments of Health

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Access relevant street directories and road maps 
Recognise and interpret map symbols 
Use the directory index to locate departure and destination points on map 
Trace the pre-determined or most efficient route on map and estimate distance and duration of journey 
Identify significant intersections/landmarks along route to assist with navigation 
Identify alternate routes in case of emergencies or significant traffic delays 
Follow selected route correctly 
Locate and review relevant legislative/regulatory, enterprise requirements and background information for site/project 
Select suitable maps, aerial photos, guides and/or charts and check their currency and accuracy 
Select navigational equipment, check that it is fit for purpose and service or replace, as necessary 
Interpret map symbols and navigation data to identify departure/destination points, potential hazards and select an appropriate traverse route 
Estimate distance and duration of journey using map scale and available information about the terrain and vehicle 
Correctly orientate map with surroundings 
Identify field position and destination on map using landforms, landmarks and/or navigation equipment 
Correctly use navigation aids, equipment and maps to follow planned route and schedule 
Use alternate routes to avoid hazards, safely bypass obstacles or improve efficiency of route 
Maintain communication in accordance with enterprise procedures 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSS024011A - Navigate in urban, regional and remote areas
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

MSS024011A - Navigate in urban, regional and remote areas

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: