CPPSIS4030A
Operate surveying equipment

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to operate surveying equipment for basic measurements, recording and calculating horizontal and vertical information. It requires technical ability in the use of equipment, as well as an understanding of how to use it, to satisfy key task requirements. Functions would be carried out under limited supervision and within organisational guidelines.

Application

This unit of competency supports the application of organisational, communication and problem-solving skills, and a sound understanding of technology. The skills and knowledge acquired upon completion of this unit would apply to the needs of employees in supporting positions for surveying and mapping.


Prerequisites

Nil


Elements and Performance Criteria

1

Plan the survey task.

1.1

Task objectives and principal work activities are defined.

1.2

Pertinent standards are identified, considered and adhered to.

1.3

Plans for team activity are put into place.

2

Execute the task.

2.1

Identified survey components are measured.

2.2

Measured survey data is reduced for comparison with design.

2.3

Measurements are validated and recorded according to the project specifications.

2.4

Checks are completed according to organisational documented and undocumented practices.

2.5

Team activity is monitored according to plan.

2.6

OHS requirementsare planned for and adhered to.

3

Finalise the task.

3.1

Required documentation is completed according to organisational guidelines.

Required Skills

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required skills

ability to use basic instruments

analytical skills to determine the technological requirements of a survey project

communication skills to:

discuss vocational issues effectively with colleagues

impart knowledge and ideas through oral, written and visual means

computer skills to complete required documentation

literacy skills to:

assess and use workplace information

read and interpret datums and projections

read and record data and write technical reports

research and access routine sources of spatial data

numeracy skills to:

analyse errors

record and interpret statistics with accuracy and precision

undertake computations

organisational skills to:

prepare and administer documentation

prioritise activities to meet contractual requirements and immediate needs pertaining to the use of surveying equipment

spatial skills to solve basic problems relating to height, depth, breadth, dimension, direction and position in actual operational activity and virtual representation

Required knowledge

accuracy and precision requirements

data recording and reduction

key characteristics of spatial reference systems

limitations of surveying equipment

organisational policies and guidelines relating to surveying equipment

safe work practices

surveying data capture and data set out methodologies

surveying equipment for data capture and data set out

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Overview of assessment

This unit of competency could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function, for example CPPSIS4029A Collect and set out basic surveying data, and CPPSIS4031A Perform surveying computations.

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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of:

matching objectives with resources

accuracy in:

basic measurements

reducing and manipulating survey data

interpreting design information to identify the components to be measured.

Specific resources for assessment

Resource implications for assessment include access to:

assessment instruments, including personal planner and assessment record book

assignment instructions, work plans and schedules, policy documents and duty statements

registered training provider of assessment services

relevant guidelines, regulations and codes of practice

suitable venue and equipment.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Context of assessment

Holistic: based on the performance criteria, evidence guide, range statement, and required skills and knowledge.

Method of assessment

Demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor (or assessment team working together to conduct the assessment).

Demonstrated competency in a range of situations, that may include customer/workplace interruptions and involvement in related activities normally experienced in the workplace.

Obtained by observing activities in the field and reviewing induction information. If this is not practicable, observation in realistic simulated environments may be substituted.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment requires that the clients’ objectives and industry expectations are met. If the clients’ objectives are narrowly defined or not representative of industry needs, it may be necessary to refer to portfolio case studies of a variety of surveying and spatial information services requirements to assess competency.

Oral questioning or written assessment and hypothetical situations (scenarios) may be used to assess underpinning knowledge (in assessment situations where the candidate is offered a preference between oral questioning or written assessment, questions are to be identical).

Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence from existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.

All practical demonstration must adhere to the safety and environmental regulations relevant to each State or Territory.

Where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (recognition of current competencies [RCC] or recognition of prior learning [RPL]), the evidence provided will need to be authenticated and show that it represents competency demonstrated over a period of time.

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.

Assessment processes will be appropriate to the language and literacy levels of the candidate and any cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and will reflect the requirements of the competency and the work being performed.


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the performance criteria is detailed below. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Objectives may include:

agreed client requirements

written survey data specifications.

Pertinent standards are standards essential to the accuracy of:

basic measurement

calculation of horizontal and vertical information

data recording.

Measurements may include use of:

current meter

echo sounder

global navigation satellite system (GNSS)

level

photogrammetry

remote sensing

tape

theodolite

tide gauge

total station.

Project specifications refer to:

detailed technical descriptions of the survey data and its requirements.

Organisational documented and undocumented practices may include:

appropriate timelines

data processing requirements

final product formats

formal design parameters

communication protocols

activity protocols for teamwork.

OHS may include:

Australian standards

identification of potential hazards

inspection of work sites

use of personal protective clothing

use of safety equipment and signage.

Organisational guidelines may include:

code of ethics

company policy

legislation relevant to the work or service function

manuals

OHS policies and procedures

personnel practices and guidelines outlining work roles and responsibilities.


Sectors

Surveying and spatial information services


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements may impact on this unit. Incorporate these requirements according to state, territory and federal legislation.