AHCNAR307
Read and interpret maps


Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to read and interpret road and topographical maps for land management and pest management purposes.

This unit applies to those whose job role includes navigating to remote areas using paper maps or geographical information systems (GIS) for land management purposes. It also applies to those who are required to plot sites on maps for recording and monitoring purposes.

No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.


Elements and Performance Criteria

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Plan a route using a map

1.1 Select appropriate paper or GIS maps, equipment and navigation aids and check for accuracy, currency and operational effectiveness

1.2 Assess and select route to destination, consider information from map, plan or field observations

1.3 Examine maps, and identify relevant symbols, information and navigation data

1.4 Identify and locate current position in the field, on map or plan using landmarks and key geographical features

1.5 Identify and locate required destination on map or plan

1.6 Plan a safe route to destination

1.7 Measure and estimate distance to destination using map scale for selected route

2. Navigate using a map

2.1 Navigate and traverse planned route and schedule

2.2 Orient the map or plan to surroundings and planned route

2.3 Use and interpret navigation aids

2.4 Navigate alternative routes to bypass obstacles and improve efficiency of route or course

3. Plot sites and locations using maps and GIS

3.1 Identify and locate position or site on map comparing landmarks and key geographical features to symbols and features on map

3.2 Use GIS data to precisely record locations

Evidence of Performance

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

interpret symbols, lines and grids on maps to identify locations

plan the safest and most effective routes to a location using a map, GIS device and other known information

navigate and traverse a route at least 2km long

identify current position by comparing nearby landmarks and features to maps

identify obstructions and plan alternative routes, where necessary

interpret scales accurately and estimate distances

mark a location or site on a map, or recording precise GIS details for a site or location


Evidence of Knowledge

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

uses for types of maps, charts and scales that are applicable to own job role

symbols and representations of topographical and geographical information used on maps

common scales used on maps and plans

features and use of a compass and factors that affect compass accuracy

applications of a GIS device

advantages and disadvantages of different map and chart types and sources of error

techniques for estimating distance


Assessment Conditions

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.


Foundation Skills

Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.


Range Statement


Sectors

Natural Area Restoration (NAR)