Required skills

Required skills include

locating interpreting and assessing existing maps data sets and environmental information

communicating effectively with suppliers of data and map users

planning and preparing for field work

collecting and recording spatial and environmental data in the field

scaling information and plotting data

preparing hand drawn or computer rendered maps

using computers and software to manipulate and present data in graphs tables diagrams and maps

seeking advice when issuesproblems are beyond scope of competenceresponsibility

working safely

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes

environmental terms concepts and principles relevant to data sets and maps

types and functions of maps charts aerial photos and their advantagesdisadvantages

map conventions symbols and representation of topographical features on maps and plans

mapping principles including layout legend scale media printing and presentation styles

use of software and hardware such as printers and plotters

functional components of a compassglobal positioning system GPS and factors affecting compassGPS accuracy

techniques for estimating distance and taking bearings

relevant legislation regulations licences and permit requirements for site

enterprise environmental management framework of policy procedures and management plans for site

relevant health and safety requirements and enterprise safe work procedures

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

sourcing existing environmental information and data sets that meet quality requirements

collecting reliable spatial and environmental data at the site

using available data to produce maps that meet the clients specifications and timeframe

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 candidates workplace

This unit of competency may be assessed with

MSSA Apply an understanding of environmental principles to a site

MSS024003A Apply an understanding of environmental principles to a site.

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

Resources may include

siteproject history maps and aerial photos

guidelines codes regulations and enterprise procedures governing data collection

relevant field equipment GPS receivers and related GPS software

relevant computer software and hardware

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested

review of maps produced by the candidate

feedback from clients supervisors and peers about the candidates ability to source assess and use existing data sets to produce maps

observation of candidate collecting field data with a focus on

general site reconnaissance and observations

setup and use of equipment

accurate data recording

problem solvingtroubleshooting

safe work practices

oral andor written questions to assess underpinning knowledge of mapping principles

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 worklike environment

Guidance information for assessment

Codes of practice

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

Maps

Environmental features of sites

Enterprise site information

External sources of data

Data sets

Field techniques

Field equipment and supplies

Standard map elements

Integrity of data

Disparities between data sets

Supporting information

Occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental management requirements