Bachelor of Geomatics
Physical Planning and Construction - Physical Planning Design and Management
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
The Bachelor of Geomatics aims to meet the generic standard for an Engineering Surveying Technologist. This qualification includes a fundamental commitment to educate learners as Surveying Technologists in the various fields of geomatics (Engineering Surveying, Geospatial Information Systems and Technology or Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry). The goal is to meet the universal standard for an Engineering Surveying Technologist to solve broadly-defined problems.
This qualification will contribute towards the outcomes that will be to develop the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills required for further learning towards a competent practising Engineering Surveying Technologist. The fundamental focus of the qualification is to train Engineering Surveying Technologists that can be functionally applied in various occupations to address the advanced technical workforce needs of the country. The core of the qualification is the integration of theory and practice (practical skills and attributes) spread over three years to ensure a balanced, highly skilled Engineering Surveying technologist to be offered by the institution.
The knowledge emphasises general principles and application or technology transfer. The qualification provides learners with a sound knowledge base in a particular field or discipline and the ability to apply their knowledge and skills to specific career or professional contexts while equipping them to undertake more specialised and intensive learning. Specifically, the qualification provides:
- Preparation for careers in Geomatics and fields of specialisation which benefit from engineering skills
- The educational base required for registration as a Professional Engineering Surveying Technologist with SAGC (PLATO).
Rationale:
South Africa is currently experiencing unprecedented economic growth. Therefore, the associated demand for human resources has exacerbated the skills shortage, particularly in the scarce categories like the engineering and related professions. In terms of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) list of scarce skills, published in Government Gazette no 37678 on 23 May 2014, there is a shortage skill in the survey profession.
The Bachelor of Geomatics meets the minimum standard specified by the South African Geomatics Council as outlined in Act No. 19 of 2013: Geomatics Profession Act, 2013 published in Government Gazette no 37142 on 10 December 2013. The qualification addresses changing techniques and technology that is defining modern geomatics. It will expose learners to the first principles, which will include the traditional survey techniques, and integrate with its evolution to modern geomatics.
The process of development of an Engineering Surveying Technologist starts with the attainment of this qualification that meets the relevant South African Geomatics Council (SAGC) standards. The content of this qualification will prepare the learner to build the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills required for further learning towards becoming a competent practising engineering surveying technologist who will contribute to the South African economy and development. For qualifying learners with an appropriate level of achievement, the ability to enter a relevant Bachelor Honours of Geomatics Degree in any of the three elective streams (Engineering Surveying, Geographic Information Science and Technology, or Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry) and then proceed to Master's and Doctorate Degrees.
Outcomes
- Apply geomatics principles to systematically diagnose and solve broadly-defined geomatics problems.
- Apply knowledge of mathematics, basic science and geomatics sciences to wide practical procedures and practices to solve broadly-defined geomatics problems.
- Perform procedural design of broadly defined components or processes to meet desired needs within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation. Applying scientific and geomatics knowledge.
- Conduct investigation of broadly defined problems through locating, searching and selecting relevant data from codes, databases and literature, design and conducting experiments, analysing and interpreting results to provide valid conclusions.
- Use appropriate established techniques, resources, and modern geomatics tools including information technology for the solution of broadly defined geomatics problems, with an awareness of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraints.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with geomatics sector audiences and the affected parties.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of geomatics activity on the society, economy, industrial and physical environment, and address issues by analysis and evaluation.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of surveying management principles and apply these to one's own work, as a member and leader in a technical team.
- Engage in independent and life-long learning through well-defined developed learning skills.
- Comprehend and apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of technical practice as specified by the South African Geomatics Council.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Analyse and identify problems and criteria for acceptable solutions
- Identify relevant information and geomatics knowledge and skills for solving problems
- Generate and formulate possible approaches leading to workable solutions
- Model and analyse potential solutions
- Select and evaluate possible best solutions
- Formulate and present solutions appropriately
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Use a mix of knowledge in Mathematics, Numerical Analysis, Statistics, Natural Science and Geomatics
- Apply theories, principles, and laws
- Perform formal analysis and modelling using geomatics materials, components, systems, or processes
- Communicate concepts, ideas, and theories effectively
- Handle uncertainty and risk
- Work within the boundaries of the practice area
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Formulate design problems to meet user needs, standards, codes of practice, and legislation
- Plan and manage the design process effectively
- Acquire and evaluate knowledge, information, and resources for appropriate solutions
- Perform design tasks including analysis, quantitative modelling, and optimization
- Evaluate alternatives and select a preferred solution based on analysis and judgment
- Assess the chosen design in terms of social, economic, legal, health, safety, and environmental impact
- Communicate design logic and information effectively in a technical report
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Plan and conduct investigations and experiments within the discipline
- Search and critically evaluate literature for investigation suitability
- Perform necessary analysis
- Select equipment or software and use appropriately
- Analyse and interpret information derived from data
- Draw conclusions from available evidence
- Record investigation purpose, process, and outcomes in a technical report
- Perform qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Assess the applicability and limitations of methods, skills, or tools
- Apply techniques correctly to achieve required results
- Test and assess effects produced by methods, skills, or tools
- Create, select, and use computer applications effectively
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Use appropriate communication structure, style, and language
- Utilize effective graphics to enhance text meaning
- Improve oral communication with visual materials
- Provide information using accepted methods
- Deliver oral communication fluently
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Explain technology's impact on society, including benefits and limitations
- Analyse implications for occupational and public health and safety
- Analyse effects on the physical environment
- Consider personal, social, economic, cultural values and requirements
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Explain principles of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling
- Carry out individual work effectively and on time
- Contribute to team activities to support team output
- Demonstrate team leadership
- Organize and manage projects effectively
- Communicate effectively in individual and team contexts
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
- Manage learning tasks autonomously and ethically
- Reflect on learning and determine personal learning strategies
- Source, organize, and evaluate relevant information
- Apply knowledge acquired outside formal instruction
- Challenge assumptions and embrace new thinking
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
- Describe ethical dilemmas and implications of decisions made
- Apply ethical reasoning in evaluating geomatics solutions
- Maintain competence through continuous learning
- Understand and engage in continuing professional development
- Accept responsibility for consequences of actions
- Make judgments within current competence areas
Integrated Assessment:
- Types of assessment include Continuous Assessment and Examination
- Assessment opportunities accumulate into final module marks
- Formative assessment used for continuous progress feedback
- Summative assessment at the end of learning experiences
- Assessments designed to apply skills in the workplace and assess applied competency.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 360
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.