CPPSIS3021
Visually interpret image data


Application

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to visually interpret image data to identify the basic features of the landscape, including land cover such as vegetation, roads, railways, buildings, water bodies and terrain forms. Image data can include aerial and terrestrial photographs and satellite images. The images can be digital or in hard copy. Mapping or other appropriate software can be used to assist visual interpretation if it is available. The unit requires the ability to apply the principles and methods of visual image interpretation. This unit is restricted to visual interpretation, as digital enhancement of images is covered in CPPSIS4026 Digitally enhance and process image data.

The unit supports those who work under direct supervision in a surveying and spatial information services team, in positions that support mapping, geographic information systems (GIS) and town planning.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit of competency at the time of endorsement.


Elements and Performance Criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions.

1.

Identify image and ancillary data.

1.1.

Task requirements are clarified with appropriate persons.

1.2.

Possible sources of image data are identified to meet task requirements.

1.3.

Constraints in using different types of image data are clarified in discussion with appropriate persons.

1.4.

Ancillary data that can be used to assist visual interpretation of image is identified and obtained.

2.

Identify and record basic landscape features.

2.1.

Image data is visually interpreted using interpretation principles and ancillary data, and features are identified and recorded according to task and organisational requirements.

2.2.

Interpreted results are discussed and confirmed with appropriate persons.

2.3.

Ground control targets for photogrammetric mapping are checked to enhance understanding of image data.

2.4.

Scale is determined according to organisational requirements.

2.5.

Data is stored and documents are completed according to organisational requirements.

Evidence of Performance

A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy the requirements of the elements, performance criteria, foundation skills and range of conditions of this unit. The person must also visually identify three instances of the following from both an aerial or terrestrial photograph or image, and a satellite image:

buildings

rail lines

roads

terrain types

vegetation

water bodies.

Where images from ground penetrating radar (GPR) are required to be interpreted, the person must visually identify three of the basic landscape features listed above from:

a GPR image display, and

one of the following:

aerial photograph or image

satellite image.

While visually interpreting the above image data, the person must:

assess task requirements to clarify types of image data to be accessed and interpreted

communicate clearly with others to clarify and discuss work tasks

identify possible sources of image and ancillary data to meet task requirements

apply the principles and methods of visual image interpretation

apply ground controls to aerial photographs

calculate scale from image data

comply with organisational requirements relating to:

accessing and formatting image data

data privacy and information copyright

health and safety

conduct basic measurements relating to image data to identify scale

identify and report constraints and problems with image data

use organisational proformas to accurately record measurements and data.


Evidence of Knowledge

A person demonstrating competency in this unit must demonstrate knowledge of:

basic formulas used to calculate scale relating to data images

basic landscape features that can be identified from image data

organisational policies and procedures relating to:

accessing and formatting image data

data privacy and information copyright

health and safety

possible sources of image and ancillary data

principles and methods of visual image interpretation

types of image data used in spatial applications.


Assessment Conditions

The following must be present and available to learners during assessment activities:

specifications:

standard operating procedures and documentation relating to data privacy and information copyright

suitable image data in hard copy or digital format

relationships with team members and supervisor:

working under supervision.

Timeframe:

as specified by task and organisational requirements.

Assessor requirements

As a minimum, assessors must satisfy the assessor requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) current at the time of assessment.


Foundation Skills

This section describes the language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills essential to performance in this unit but not explicit in the performance criteria.

Skill

Performance feature

Numeracy skills to:

measure and calculate scale objects from an image and ancillary data.

Oral communication skills to:

ask questions to clarify work tasks.

Reading skills to:

interpret graphical information, including shapes and patterns within aerial and terrestrial photographs and satellite images.

Writing skills to:

record details of image features using standard proformas.

Technology skills to:

use simple analogue and digital tools to assist with visual interpretation.


Range Statement

This section specifies 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. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below.

Appropriate persons must include at least one of the following:

experienced colleague

supervisor or line manager.


Sectors

Surveying and spatial information services