Knowledge Areas

Ability to apply mathematics and statistics in solving GISc related problems.

MS1 Mathematics: Introduction to higher mathematics and problem solving (24)
Differential and integral calculus of functions of one variable, partial derivatives, solving systems of linear and non-linear equations, trigonometric functions, conic sections, vector geometry, matrix algebra, linear transformations, differential geometry. Basic statistics: regression, distributions, error theory, correlation, sampling. including sets, probability, mean standard deviation.

Understand and apply different analytical methods related to GISc.

AM3: Geometric measures (9)
Distances and lengths; direction; shape; area; volume proximity and distance decay; adjacency and connectivity. Terrain Analysis.

AM4: Basic analytical operations (9)
Buffer; overlay; neighborhoods; map algebra.

Understand and apply cartography and visualization tecqniques.

CV2: Data considerations (8)
Source materials for mapping; Data abstraction: classification, selection, and generalization; Projections as a map design issue.

CV3: Principles of map design (8)
Map design fundamentals; Basic concepts of symbolization; Color for cartography and visualization; Typography for cartography and visualization; Visual perception, graphicacy, cartographic communication (including information sense-making, information use and information-knowledge transformation), graphic space, symbology (point, line, area, pictorial, 3-D), colour, cartographic design, typonomy, generalisation, map use, multimedia mapping, 2-D and 3-D visualisation, Web maps, general purpose maps, relief representation, thematic maps (including statistical mapping).

CV6: Map use and evaluation (8)
The power of maps; Map reading; Map interpretation; Map analysis; Evaluation and testing; Impact of uncertainty.

Understand DBMS and Data modelling.

DM2: Database management systems (4)
Co-evolution of DBMS and GIS; Relational DBMS; Object-oriented DBMS; Object-relational DBM; Extensions of the relational model.

DM3:Tessellation data models (4)
Grid representations; The raster model; Grid compression methods; Terrain models including the Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN) model; Resolution; Hierarchical data models.

DM4: Vector and object data models (4)
Geometric primitives; The spaghetti model; The topological model; Classic vector data models; The network model.

Understand basic computer programmes in a geographical information system.

GC10: Computer programming (12)
Algorithms; Standard query language (SQL); Scripting.

Ability to understand and apply professionalism, ethics and relevant legislation in the GISc environment.

GS6: Ethical aspects of geospatial information and technology (12)
Ethics and professionalism in the GISc practice; Codes of ethics for geospatial professionals; Codes of conduct in the GISc field. Legislation regulating the profession. Intellectual property rights and copyright, privacy rights.

Ability to demonstrate technical proficiency in the application of relevant technologies and producing a related report.

RM1: Portfolio of evidence (8)

Technical Report-Portfolio of evidence demonstrating communication skills in the application of relevant competencies applied in the GISc field. 

Kinematics, Newton's laws of motion, work, energy, power, rotational dynamics, torque, angular momentum, gravitation, periodic motion, simple harmonic motion, interference, wave motion, diffraction, refraction and reflection of waves, Doppler effect, electric charge and field, electric potential, capacitance, resistance, electric current, electromagnetic induction, magnetic field, electromagnetic spectrum.

Introduction to computer hardware, operating systems, data communications (local and wide area cover networks),\nword processing, spreadsheets, internet, software development (scientific/engineering) in a current programming\nlanguage, systems development (including systems analysis and design), databases and database management\nsystems, use of information technology in surveying, 2-D CAD, security of systems and information.

Earth radiation model and electro-magnetic spectrum, satellite orbits, geometry of sensors and sensor systems\n(airborne and satellite), camera calibration , acquisition of images (including flight planning), image media and\nformats incl. image compression, principles of analogue and digital photography, photogrammetric measuremnet\nand data processsing including geometry of images, relative and absolute orientation, 3D resection, 3D intersection,\nbundle adjustment and aero triangulatio+B1n, ortho-rectification, mosaicing and georeferencing, digital elevation\nmodels . Determination of 3-D coordinates in close-range photogrammetry. Accuracy and reliability assessment of\nphotogrammetrically derived data, image (photo) interpretation , image processing (including image enhancement,\nimage feature extraction, classification). creation of 3D computer model of landscapes settlements and buildings.Virtual globes

The nature of observations and data acquisition, types of errors, means, norms ,accuracy, precision, reliability,\nprobability, confidence intervals, distributions and probability density functions, auto- and cross-correlation,\nhypothesis testing, least squares theory, simple and multiple regression, distribution functions, law of error\npropagation, least squares adjustments of survey observations( paramatric and condition equation case), network adjustment (including free networks), adjustment of coordinate transformations, design of survey networks,\nstatistical analysis of results and interpretation of data.

Management functions (planning, controlling, organising, decision-making), human resource management, financial\nmanagement and management accounting, marketing and client relations, labour legislation, taxation, project\nplanning, costing, resource allocation, project control and reporting, business communication, report writing, contract law.

The reserch project must have a system design and or spatial analysis component and include reporting and presentation of final results. The time spend on research topic selection, research proposal, analysis and interpretation, progress reporting, and liaison with research supervisor must be a minimal of 300 hours.

Earth gravity field, earth rotation dynamics and reference systems, geocentric coordinate systems, gravity observations, geoidal studies, tidal effects, datum and datum shifts, geodetic surveying, global navigation satellite systems, satellite orbits and orbital parameters, time systems, 3-D positioning.

Newton'€™s laws of motion, work, energy, power, rotational dynamics, torque, angular momentum, gravitation, periodic motion, simple harmonic motion, interference, wave motion, diffraction, refraction and reflection of waves, Doppler effect, electric charge and field, electric potential, capacitance, resistance, electric current, electromagnetic induction, magnetic field, electromagnetic spectrum, Optics

Introduction to computer hardware, operating systems, data communications (local and wide area cover networks), word processing, spreadsheets, internet, software development (scientific/engineering) in a current programming language, databases and database management systems, use of information technology in surveying, 2-D CAD, security of systems and information. Spreadsheet design and formatting

Electro-magnetic energy in remote sensing, earth satellite orbits, geometry of sensors and sensor systems (airborne, spaceborne and terrestrial), camera calibration, acquisition of images (including flight planning), image media and formats incl. image compression, principles of analogue and digital photography, ortho- rectification, mosaicing and georeferencing, digital elevation models . Ground Control, Laser scanning, photogrammetric measurement and data processsing including geometry of images, relative and absolute orientation, 3D resection,\n3D intersection, bundle adjustment and aero triangulation . Determination of 3-D coordinates in close-range photogrammetry. Accuracy and reliability assessment of photogrammetrically derived data, image (photo) interpretation , image processing (including image enhancement, image feature extraction, classification). creation of 3D computer model of landscapes settlements and buildings. Virtual globes

The nature of observations and data acquisition, types of errors, means, norms ,accuracy, precision, reliability, probability, confidence intervals, distributions and probability density functions, auto- and cross-correlation, hypothesis testing, least squares theory, simple and multiple regression, distribution functions, law of error propagation, least squares adjustments of survey observations( paramatric and condition equation case)

Management functions (planning, controlling, organising, decision-making), human resource management, financial management and management accounting, marketing and client relations, labour legislation, taxation, project planning, costing, resource allocation, project control and reporting, business communication, report writing, contract law. Risk management and Health and Safety management

Report-Portfolio of evidence demonstrating practical skills: Triangulation / GPS, Levelling, Traversing, Computer\nApplications, Cadastral Surveying, Topographical Surveying

Geodetic surveying, global positioning satellite systems, satellite orbits and orbital parameters, time systems, 3-D positioning.

Kinematics, Newton'€™s laws of motion, work, energy, power, rotational dynamics, torque, angular momentum, gravitation, periodic motion, simple harmonic motion, interference, wave motion, diffraction, refraction and reflection of waves, Doppler effect, electric charge and field, electric potential, capacitance, resistance, electric current, electromagnetic induction, magnetic field, electromagnetic spectrum.

Introduction to computer hardware, operating systems, data communications (local and wide area cover networks), word processing, spreadsheets, internet, software development (scientific/engineering) in a current programming language, systems development (including systems analysis and design), databases and database management systems, use of information technology in surveying, 2-D CAD, security of systems and information.

Earth radiation model and electro-magnetic spectrum, satellite orbits, geometry of sensors and sensor systems\n(airborne, spaceborne and terrestrial), camera calibration , acquisition of images (including flight planning), image media and formats incl. image compression, principles of analogue and digital photography, photogrammetric measuremnet and data processsing including geometry of images, relative and absolute orientation, 3D resection, 3D intersection, bundle adjustment and aeriel triangulation, ortho-rectification, mosaicing and georeferencing, digital elevation models . Determination of 3-D coordinates in close-range photogrammetry. Accuracy and reliability assessment of photogrammetrically derived data, image (photo) interpretation , image processing (including image enhancement, image feature extraction, classification). creation of 3D computer model of landscapes settlements and buildings. Virtual globes.

The nature of observations and data acquisition, types of errors, means, norms ,accuracy, precision, reliability, probability, confidence intervals, distribution and probability density functions, estimation, auto- and cross- correlation, hypothesis testing, least squares theory, simple and multiple regression, distribution functions, law of error propagation, least squares adjustments of survey observations( paramatric and condition equation case), network adjustment (including free networks), adjustment of coordinate transformations, design of survey networks, statistical analysis of results and interpretation of data, data filtering (incl. Kalman filter). General Combined case, combined case, parametric case with conditions, adjsutment of best fiiring geometry and 3D rigid body transformation, goodness of fit test, errors of type I and II.Deformation analysis models.

Management functions (planning, controlling, organising, decision-making), human resource management, financial management and management accounting, marketing and client relations, labour legislation, taxation, project planning, costing, resource allocation, project control and reporting, business communication, report writing, contract law.

The research project must have a design and or analysis component and include reporting and presentation of final results

Earth gravity field, earth rotation dynamics and reference systems, geocentric coordinate systems, gravity observations, geoidal studies, tidal effects, datum and datum shifts, geodetic surveying, global positioning satellite systems, satellite orbits and orbital parameters, time systems, 3-D positioning.

Specialised instrumentation (including sources of errors, calibration and expected precision), precise engineering surveying methods, precise heighting methods, design and optimisation of networks, precision surveys for construction and industrial applications (including precision alignment), deformation surveys and monitoring, analysis and interpretation of results, presentation of results. Setting out of tunnels , bridges, dams, tall buildings and industrial structures, including supervision and monitoring.

Vectors; Kinematics-linear and angular; Dynamics-Newton’s laws and applications, sliding and rolling friction; Work, power, energy, impulse and momentum; Elasticity; Hydrostatics; Fluids dynamics; Heat and heat transfer; Laws of Thermodynamics; Waves; Electricity-forces, fields and current circuits; Light; Optics-application in instrumentation

Introduction to computers; Microsoft software packages; Drawing graphs;Introduction to CAD; Computer hardware;\ncomputer software; Communication skills

Electro-magnetic energy in remote sensing, Earth satellite orbits, geometry of sensors and sensor systems (airborne, spaceborne and terrestrial), camera calibration, acquisition of images (including flight planning), image media and formats incl. image compression, principles of analogue and digital photography, Ground Control

The nature of observations and data acquisition, types of errors, means, norms, accuracy, precision; Adjustment of a survey and levelling traverse

Develop an ability to communucate effectivley within the built environment (writen communucation, spoken communication, communication in the workplace);office orgaisation and methods;contracts; theory of management

Report-Portfolio of evidence demonstrating practical skills: Triangulation / GPS, Levelling, Traversing, Computer\nApplications, Cadastral Surveying, Topographical Surveying

Understanding mathematics and statistics in solving GISc related problems.

MS1: Mathematics: Introduction to higher mathematics and problem solving (48)

Differential and integral calculus of functions of one variable, differential equations, partial derivatives, Taylor series, mean value theorem, solving systems of linear and non-linear equations, trigonometric functions, hyperbolic functions, conic sections, complex numbers, vector geometry, matrix algebra, eigen vectors and values, linear transformations, space curves and surfaces, differential geometry. Series and polynomials. Basic statistics: regression, distributions, error theory, correlation, sampling. including sets, probability, permutations and combinations, and mean, standard deviation.

Understanding and ability to apply different analytical methods related to GISc.

AM3: Geometric measures (8)
Distances and lengths; direction; shape; area; volume proximity and distance decay; adjacency and connectivity. Terrain analysis.

AM4: Basic analytical operations (8)
Buffer; overlay; neighborhoods; map algebra

AM5: Basic analytical methods (8)
Point pattern analysis; Kernels and density estimation; Spatial cluster analysis; Spatial interaction; Analyzing multidimensional attributes; Cartographic modeling; Multi-criteria evaluation; Spatial process models. Geostatistics. Network analysis.

AM7: Basic spatial statistics (8)
Graphical methods; Stochastic processes; The spatial weights matrix; Global measures of spatial association; Local measures of spatial association; Outliers; Bayesian methods.

CV2: Data considerations (8)
Source materials for mapping; Data abstraction: classification, selection, and generalization; Projections as a map design issue.

CV3: Principles of map design (8)
Map design fundamentals; Basic concepts of symbolization; Color for cartography and visualization; Typography for cartography and visualization; Visual perception, graphicacy, cartographic communication (including information sense-making, information use and information-knowledge transformation), graphic space, symbology (point, line, area, pictorial, 3-D), colour, cartographic design, typonomy, generalisation, map use, multimedia mapping, 2-D and 3-D visualisation, interactive maps, Web maps, general purpose maps, relief representation, thematic maps (including statistical mapping), Virtual globes.

CV6: Map use and evaluation (8)
The power of maps; Map reading; Map interpretation; Map analysis; Evaluation and testing; Impact of uncertainty.

Understanding and ability to apply DBMS and data modelling.

DM2: Database management systems (8)
Co-evolution of DBMS and GIS; Relational DBMS; Object-oriented DBMS; Object-relational DBM; Extensions of the relational model. Data mining. Spatial data structures i.e. lists, R- and KD-trees.

DM3: Tessellation data models (8)
Grid representations; The raster model; Grid compression methods; The hexagonal model; Terrain models including the Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN) model; Resolution; Hierarchical data models.

DM4: Vector and object data models (8)
Geometric primitives; The spaghetti model; The topological model; Classic vector data models; The network model; Linear referencing;

Ability to compile basic computer programmes in a geographical information system.

GC10 Computer programming (24)
Algorithms; Standard query language (SQL); Imperative and functional programming language; Software development for desktop and mobile devices.

Ability to understand and apply professionalism, ethics and the law in the GISc environment.

GS6: Ethical aspects of geospatial information and technology (6)
Ethics and professionalism in the GISc practice; Codes of ethics for geospatial professionals; Codes of conduct in the GISc field. Legislation regulating the profession. Intellectual property rights and copyright, privacy rights.

GS7: Business and project management (6)
Management functions (planning, controlling, organising, decision-making), human resource management, financial management and management accounting, marketing and client relations, labour legislation, taxation, project planning, costing, resource allocation, project control and reporting, business communication, report writing, contract law. Risk management and Health and Safety management.

Ability to demonstrate technical proficiency in the application of relevant technologies and producing a related report.

RM1: Portfolio of evidence (20)

Project and Report - Portfolio of evidence demonstrating practical skills in the application of relevant competencies applied in the GISc field. 

Understanding the principles of Physics in geomatics practice, instrumentation and technology related to GISc

PS1 Kinematics, Newton's laws of motion, friction, momentum, and work (12):
Kinematics, Newton’s laws of motion, work, energy, power, rotational dynamics, torque, angular momentum, gravity, periodic motion, simple harmonic motion, interference, wave motion, diffraction, refraction and reflection of waves, Doppler effect, electricity and magnetism, electromagnetic spectrum. Optics.

Understanding and applying the design aspects of databases for geospatial data.

DA4 Database design (24)
Modelling tools; Conceptual model; Logical model; Physical model

Understanding and applying DBMS and Data modelling

DM2: Database management system (12)
Co-evolution of DBMS and GIS; Relational DBMS; Object-oriented DBMS; Object-relational DBM; Extensions of the relational model. Data mining. Spatial data structures i.e. lists, R- and KD-trees.

DM3: Tessellation data models (12)
Grid representations; The raster model; Grid compression methods; The hexagonal model; Terrain models including the Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN) model; Resolution; Hierarchical data models.

DM4: Vector and object data models (12)
Geometric primitives; The spaghetti model; The topological model; Classic vector data models; The network model; Linear referencing; Object-based spatial databases.

Compiling basic computer programmes in a geographical information system

GC10: Computer programming (36)
Algorithms; Standard query language (SQL); Imperative and functional programming language; Agent based models; Celular automata; Software development for desktop and mobile devices.

Understanding and applying cartography and visualization techniques

CV2: Data considerations (8)
Source materials for mapping; Data abstraction: classification, selection, and generalization; Projections as a map design issue.

CV3: Principles of map design (8)
Map design fundamentals; Basic concepts of symbolization; Color for cartography and visualization; Typography for cartography and visualization; Visual perception, graphicacy, cartographic communication (including information sense-making, information use and information-knowledge transformation), graphic space, symbology (point, line, area, pictorial, 3-D), colour, cartographic design, typonomy, generalization, map use, multimedia mapping, data visualization, 2-D and 3-D visualization, interactive maps, Web maps, general purpose maps, relief representation, thematic maps (including statistical mapping), Virtual globes. Presentation and manipulation of point clouds.

CV6: Map use and evaluation (8)
The power of maps; Map reading; Map interpretation; Map analysis; Evaluation and testing; Impact of uncertainty.

Understanding Geographical Science as it relates to GISc

GSc1 Area and spatial analysis (12)
Comprises the reading, analysis and interpretation of spatial information; Basic concepts and terminology. Place and landscape. Broader understanding of what GIS is and what it involves. Geography as a foundation for GIS. Historical perspective. Application fields. Understand different fields contributing and forming part of GISc. Components of a GIS. Functionality, analysis and processess involved.

GISc2 Earth and environmental science (12)
GIS in earth and environmental studies:
A combination of any of the following: Climatology, Geomorphology, Hydrology, Ecology structural geology, engineering geology, interpretation of geological maps, integrated environmental management, environmental impact assessment, development science and theory, urban systems and human settlement, population geography, Disasters (natural and manmade), sustainable development, natural environmental systems (water, atmospheric, oceanographic, fauna/flora etc.), tourism, conservation (natural or heritage), climate change:

Operating in the geomatics industry

OI5: Institutional and interinstitutional aspects (8)

Spatial data infrastructures; Adoption of standards; Metadata; Data transfer and exchange; Spatial data sharing among organizations; Openness; Balancing data access, security, and privacy; Implications of distributed GI S&T; Inter-organisational and vendor GI systems (software, hardware and systems). Data warehousing.

OI6: Coordinating organisations (National and international) (4)

National and international organisations and programs; State and regional coordinating bodies; Professional organizations; Publications; The geospatial community; The geospatial industry.

Kinematics, Newton’s laws of motion, work, energy, power, rotational dynamics, torque, angular momentum, gravitation, periodic motion, simple harmonic motion, interference, wave motion, diffraction, refraction and reflection of waves, Doppler effect, electric charge and field, electric potential, capacitance, resistance, electric current, electromagnetic induction, magnetic field, electromagnetic spectrum. Optics

Introduction to computer hardware, operating systems, data communications (local and wide area cover networks),\nword processing, spreadsheets, internet, software development (scientific/engineering) in a current programming language, systems development (including systems analysis and design), databases and database management systems, use of information technology in surveying, 2-D CAD, security of systems and information. Spreadsheet design and formatting

Earth satellite orbits, geometry of sensors and sensor systems (airborne, spaceborne and terrestrial), camera calibration, acquisition of images (including flight planning), image media and formats incl. image compression, principles of analogue and digital photography, ortho- rectification, mosaicing and georeferencing, digital elevation models . Ground Control, Laser scanning

The nature of observations and data acquisition, types of errors, means, norms ,accuracy, precision, reliability, probability, confidence intervals, distributions and probability density functions, auto- and cross-correlation, hypothesis testing, least squares theory, simple and multiple regression, distribution functions, law of error propagation, least squares adjustments of survey observations( paramatric and condition equation case), network adjustment (including free networks), adjustment of coordinate transformations, design of survey networks, statistical analysis of results and interpretation of data.

Management functions (planning, controlling, organising, decision-making), human resource management, financial management and management accounting, marketing and client relations, labour legislation, taxation, project planning, costing, resource allocation, project control and reporting, business communication, report writing, contract law. Risk maangement and Health and Safety management

The research project must have a design and or analysis component and include reporting and presentation of final results

Shaft Surveying, Deformation surveying, Surface subsidence, deformation caused by mining activities, types of deformation, Risk modelling and analysis, Mine Health and Safety Act, Specialised instrumentation (including sources of errors, calibration and expected precision) Specialized surveying equipment (precsise Level, Total stations, Geomos, Piezometers, inclometers) Design of precise control networks, monumentation, automated surveying equipment applications, network adjustments, analysis of data, presentation of data

Mineral rights, law of the Certficate of Competency, land use systems and types,land use planning and control, environmental and physical influences, community dynamics, social impacts, integrated environmental management, environmental impact analysis, mining property valuation

Mineralogy, petrology, physical geology, structural geology, historical geology, economic geology, prospecting methods, geological maps, chemistry

Newton'€™s laws of motion, work, energy, power, rotational dynamics, torque, angular momentum, gravitation, periodic motion, simple harmonic motion, interference, wave motion, diffraction, refraction and reflection of waves, Doppler effect, electric charge and field, electric potential, capacitance, resistance, electric current, electromagnetic induction, magnetic field, electromagnetic spectrum, Optics

Introduction to computer hardware, operating systems, word processing, spreadsheets, internet, software development (scientific/engineering) in a current programming language, systems development (including systems analysis and design), databases and database management systems, use of information technology in surveying, 2-D CAD, security of systems and information. Spreadsheet design and formatting

Two- and three-dimensional coordinate systems, grid reference systems, shape of the Earth, mathematical representations of the Earth, (including reference ellipsoids) geographical coordinates, different types of map projections, Including mathematical modles and projection properties) projection–to-projection transformations, reference datums and common ellipsoids, SA Survey co-ordinate system and UTM system.

Management functions (planning, controlling, organising, decision-making), human resource management, financial management and management accounting, marketing and client relations, labour legislation, taxation, project planning, costing, resource allocation, project control and reporting, business communication, report writing, contract law. Risk mangement and Health and Safety management

The research project must have a design and or analysis component and include reporting and presentation of final results

Mining methods(underground,opencast,massive);Mine Planning ; Mine Ventilation constraints; mine design (layout and sequence)

Sampling Theory, sampling procedures, sampling and assay errors, ore flow, pay limits, ore reserves, ore/metal accounting factors, financial mine planning, calssical statistics, non-spatial estimation techniques, data analysis, classical estimation methods, geostatistical estimation methods, oregenisis, structural geology, SAMREC code

Vectors; Kinematics-linear and angular; Dynamics-Newton’s laws and applications, sliding and rolling friction; Work, power, energy, impulse and momentum; Elasticity; Hydrostatics; Fluids dynamics; Heat and heat transfer; Laws of Thermodynamics; Waves; Electricity-forces, fields and current circuits; Light; Optics-application in instrumentation

Introduction to computers; Microsoft software packages; Drawing graphs;Introduction to CAD; Computer hardware;\ncomputer software; Communication skills

2-D and 3-D coordinate systems; grid reference systems; shape of earth; different types of map projections; SA Survey coordinates system

Develope an ability to communucate effectivley within the mining industry( writen communucation,spoken communication,communication in the workplace);office orgaisation and methods;contracts ;theory of managment

Report-Portfolio of evidence demonstrating practical skills: Sample a stope face-development (reef drive, raise, cross-cut); Compilation of a stope-development sampling record; Map a stope face/development end-Cartography and visualisation; Performance of broken ore sampling

Sampling theory and procedures (basic principles and definitions), sampling methods; Sampling reports; Averaging and weighing of sampling results; regular and irregular sampling intervals; weighing by length, area and mass; Calculation of tonnage and mineral content; ore flow; pay limits; grade control; life of mine; valuation of a mineral deposits;managment control factors; present values and compound interest;taxation;borehole valuation; statistical valuation(distribution,probabilty and regression)sampling and valuation computer applications.repoting