Course Title: Develop 2-D and 3-D terrain visualisations
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2025
Course Code: COSC6249C
Course Title: Develop 2-D and 3-D terrain visualisations
School: 530T Built Environment and Sustainability
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5416 - Diploma of Surveying
Course Contact: Matthew Sweeney
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4105
Course Contact Email: matthew.sweeney@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Greg Patterson
Surveying & Spatial Educator
Building, Surveying & Land Management Built Environment & SustainabilityRMIT University
MELBOURNE 3001
Victoria, Australia
Email: gregory.patterson@rmit.edu.au
Work: +61 3 9925 9218
Mobile: 0400231518
Nominal Hours: 160
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
None
Course Description
In this course you will develop the skills and knowledge required to develop two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) visualisations in a geographic information system (GIS) or computer-aided design (CAD) context. This includes the application of specialised technical and conceptual skills and a broad knowledge of spatial datasets. The course also includes the development of technical documentation incorporating mapping and scientific techniques.
This course is suitable for surveyors who use broad theoretical and technical knowledge to analyse information as well as interpret and provide solutions to unpredictable and sometimes complex surveying/spatial information problems. The course supports those who work in a technical management role in a spatial information services team in areas such as cartography, town planning, mapping and GIS.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CPPSSI6040 Develop 2-D and 3-D terrain visualisations |
Element: |
1. Prepare 2-D or 3-D digital elevation model (DEM) |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Analyse job specifications, constraints and main work activities. |
Element: |
2. Create 2-D drawings |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Create detailed views and layouts using various scales according to job specifications. |
Element: |
3. Create 3-D model or DEM |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Model surface elevation by mathematically defined surfaces and by point or line data according to job specifications. |
Element: |
4. Produce output |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Apply quality and accuracy measures on modelled 2-D and 3-D outputs. |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements.
Details of Learning Activities
Learning Activities:
- Planning and documenting project requirements
- Introduced to Vector and Raster datasets including Lidar (LAS)
- Identify products that can be derived from Lidar (LAS) and Digital Elevation Models (DEM)
- Use remote sensing technologies to produce 2D and 3D Terrain Visualisation products and drawings
- Use spatial software applications (ESRI ArcGIS Pro and Safe Software FME) to create: Contours with elevation value, Digital Elevation Models (DEM), Hill shade (Shaded Relief), Aspect, Slope, Aspect-Slope and a 2D/3D hypsometric map with contours
- Finalising documentation for project requirements
The total number of scheduled hours of teaching, learning and assessment involved in this course includes all planned activities (face to face classes, lectures, workshops and seminars; workplace visits, online learning and other forms of structured teaching and learning). It also covers the amount of effort necessary to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, observation of work performance, discussions with supervisors and others providing third party evidence and one on one and group assessment sessions with students.
Teaching Schedule
The following syllabus provides you with this course's Training and Assessment schedule. Refer to this page to find out what themes will be discussed each week and when assessments are due. You will also find important information on census dates, excursions and practices. While we endeavor to deliver and assess in line with this syllabus, we reserve the right to make changes to accommodate unexpected circumstances.
Session/Date |
Theme |
Assessments |
|
10-16 February |
Welcome and course overview In this session you will be introduced to the spatial and surveying software applications used for the course, along with an outline of the assessment requirements. You will be introduced to geographical Information Systems (GIS) including CAD platforms used within industry. You will also be provided the information to Install appropriate GIS Software onto your personal computers. |
Assessment 1 Released |
|
17-23 February |
Introduction to Vector and Raster Datasets In this session you will be introduced to Spatial data including digital data and imagery, Data Ethics / Legislative Requirements, Spatial References (Projections, Datum's and Coordinate Systems), Obtaining and Validating Spatial Datasets, Capturing Elevation Datasets and Metadata |
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24 February -2 March |
Introduction to Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) Processing using ESRI ArcGIS Software In this session you will learn about lidar and use ESRI ArcGIS Software to produce different datasets. This will include Digital Elevation Models (DEM), Triangulated Irregular Networks (TIN), Slope, Hill shade (Shaded Relief), Contours with elevation values and hypsometric tint. |
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3 - 9 March |
Introduction to Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) Processing using Safe Software FME In this session you will learn about lidar and use Safe Software Feature Manipulation Engine (FME) to produce different datasets. This will include Digital Elevation Models (DEM), Triangulated Irregular Networks (TIN), Slope, Hillshade (Shaded Relief), Contours with elevation values and hypsometric tint. |
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10-16 March |
Documenting Procedures In this session you will continue using Safe Software FME to produce 2D and 3D Terrain Visualisation products. This will involve documenting the processes involved. Note: 10 Mar - Labour Day public holiday |
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17-23 March |
2D / 3D Assessment 1 - Practice Activity In this session you will review your processes to ensure that you are competent in completing the assessment requirements. You will be required to complete a series of tasks to ensure that you can complete the assessment in the required time. |
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24-30 March |
Assessment 1: Project Initiation In this session you will meet the client where you will discuss and document all project requirements in a project scoping document. You will also download and validate datasets required for the project to ensure they meet requirements. You will also create the following products: Slope Map and 2D Drawings |
Assessment 1 Initiation and Execution |
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31 March |
The Census Date is the last day you can withdraw from this course without financial penalty. If you need to withdraw from this course, you must do so before this date to avoid additional student fees. | |
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31 March - 06 April |
Assessment 1: Project Finalisation In this session you will create metadata for the datasets captured and complete the Submission of completed work document |
Assessment 1: Finalise and upload |
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7-13 April |
Finalise assessment and upload |
Assessment 1 Due: 13 April 2025 |
|
Session Ten 14-17 April |
Create Aspect-Slope using Safe Software FME In this session you will use Safe Software FME to process the lidar to produce Aspect and Slope. You will then combine the both datasets to produce the Aspect-Slope map |
Assessment 2 Released |
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18 - 25 April |
The Mid-semester break is a scheduled break in the semester. No teaching or assessment will occur during this time. Also, your Trainer/Assessor won't be available during this time. If you need to contact them, please email them via your student email account, and they will respond once they return from the break |
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29 April - 5 May |
Create Aspect-Slope using ESRI ArcGIS Software In this session you will use ESRI ArcGIS Software to process the lidar to produce Aspect and Slope. You will then combine the both datasets to produce the Aspect-Slope map |
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5-11 May |
Assessment 2: Project Initiation In this session you will meet the client where you will be introduced to the assessment and upload requirements. You will also discuss and document all project requirements in a project scoping document. Next, you will continue documenting the procedure required to complete the Aspect-Slope output. This will include updating assigned colours. |
Assessment 2: Project introduction and Initiation |
|
12-18 May |
Assessment 2: Project Execution In this session you will create the Aspect-Slope map. This will include validating the supplied datasets to create the Aspect-Slope map. |
Assessment 2: Project Execution |
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19 - 25 May |
Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) Processing using Safe Software FME In this session you will learn the process required to Colour lidar with raster imagery RGB colours
Assessment 2: Project Execution In this session you will use Safe Software FME to add color to the lidar using the raster imagery RGB values |
Assessment 2: Project Execution |
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26 May - 01 June |
Assessment 2: Project Finalisation In this session you will create metadata for the datasets captured and complete the Submission of completed work document |
Assessment 2: Project Finalisation |
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02 - 08 June |
Assessment 2: Project Finalisation In this session you will complete finalise assessment tasks and upload all assessment requirements onto Canvas |
Assessment 2: Project Finalisation Assessment 2 Due: 08 June 2025 |
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09 - 15 June |
Revision and feedback on work completed King's Birthday public holiday 09 June |
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16 - 22 June |
Assessment marking and finalising results | |
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03 July |
Important: It is your responsibility to check your results on this date. Your official results for this course will be released on this date. Your teacher will not inform you of your final result. It will only be available via My Student Record on RMIT's website. It is not your Trainer/Assessors responsibility to let you know your final result. Your teacher will not be available to comment on your assessment or final results from 23 June -2 July 2025. After this date, you can contact them to talk about your final result if you need it. |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
Students will be able to access course information and learning materials through the Learning Hub and may be provided with additional materials in class. Lists of relevant reference books, resources in the library and accessible Internet sites will be provided where possible. You will also use equipment and software packages in the laboratory for the project work. During the course, you will be directed to websites to enhance your knowledge and understanding of difficult concepts
Check the Library Subject Guides: http://rmit.libguides.com/geospatial
Accessed Via the RMIT Library Link:
Overview of Assessment
Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights to your written tasks. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.
Assessment Tasks
Assessment Name |
Description |
Release Date |
Due Date |
| Assessment 1: Terrain Visualisation products – Part 1 | In this assessment you will develop a portfolio for the manager that details the complete process of manipulating, analysing, and creating 2D and 3D terrain visualisation models |
10 Feb 2025 | 13 April 2025 |
| Assessment 2: Terrain Visualisation products – Part 2 | In this assessment, you will continue updating the portfolio for the manager that details the complete process of manipulating, analysing, and creating 2D and 3D terrain visualisation models | 14 April 2025 | 08 June 2025 |
Assessment Matrix
Mapping Assessments to the Unit of Competency – Instructions
Foundation Skills |
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency |
Performance Evidence | ||
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To demonstrate competency a candidate must meet the performance criteria of this unit by using a geographic information system (GIS) or computer-aided design (CAD) environment to develop two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) terrain visualisations that meet specifications for two different projects. For each project, the candidate must prepare drawings and models that meet specifications for accuracy, completeness, coverage, density and logical consistency. |
AT1 |
AT2 |
For the 3-D terrain visualisations, the candidate must: | ||
Develop contour, slope and shaded relief maps of an area by creating and manipulating entities in 3-D space |
B2 – B7 |
B4 |
Create a digital elevation model in 3-D using mathematically defined surfaces and point or line data. |
B2 |
B4 |
Knowledge Evidence | ||
To be competent in this unit a candidate must demonstrate knowledge of: |
AT1 |
AT2 |
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Interpretation of:
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Question 1, 6 |
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Interpolation techniques to convert from point to raster data |
Question 2 |
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Computer platforms and software for GIS, CAD and digital elevation models (DEM) |
Question 3 |
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Legislative requirements for data, copyright and licensing |
Question 4 |
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Data formats and precision and accuracy requirements for preparing terrain visualisations in 2-D drawings and 3-D models |
Question 5 |
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Techniques for processing and displaying digital images |
Question 6 |
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Sources for existing spatial datasets |
Question 7 |
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Methods for capture of raw elevation data |
Question 8 |
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GIS and CAD principles, capabilities and uses in relation to creating terrain visualisations |
Question 9 |
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Methods for validating spatial data sources |
Question 10 |
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Types of data set constraints |
Question 11 |
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Key features of spatial referencing systems |
Question 12 |
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Techniques for modifying existing 2-D and 3-D models |
Question 13 |
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Types of products that can be derived from a DEM. |
Question 14 |
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Assessment conditions |
Describe how assessments meet the assessment conditions |
Assessors must meet the requirements for assessors contained in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations. |
RMIT employment requires all trainers and assessors to comply with the Standards for RTOs in respect to holding the TAE40116, or higher VE qualification including any necessary updated units. All employees must show currency within their vocational specialty along with their professional employment. |
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting where these skills and knowledge would be performed. |
Assessments reflect the workspace environment. Assessors to have appropriate industry experience and knowledge. Students have access to computers with the latest GIS software packages during scheduled class times that comply with current industry practices. |
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Candidates must have access to:
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All labs will have the appropriate computers and software installed. Software that students required include:
Students will have access to additional software through Office 365. The students can sign in with your RMIT email address and password. |
Other Information
Attendance Requirement - 85% for all students.
Resubmission Policy:
To pass this course, students must achieve a Satisfactory (S) result for all their Assessments (and parts of those assessments).
Students who do not achieve a Satisfactory (S) result for their entire original submission for an Assessment will be provided with 1 (one) more submission opportunity (e.g. the resubmission) with a specific due date by their assessor. Students must achieve a Satisfactory (S) result on their resubmission for that Assessment, by the due date given to them by their Assessor.
Students who fail to submit their assessment by the due date will be issued a DNS (Did Not Submit) result which will not be overturned by teaching or managing staff. A DNS result will be overturned based on an approved Extension of Time or approved Special Consideration.
To be deemed Competency Achieved, students must achieve a satisfactory result in all assessment tasks. Students who fail to receive a Satisfactory result on all assessment tasks and have exhausted their resubmissions, extension of time applications, special consideration applications or Equitable Learning Plan provisions will be deemed as Not Yet Competent.
Credit Transfer and/or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
You may be eligible for credit towards courses in your program if you have already met the learning/competency outcomes through previous learning and/or industry experience.
To be eligible for credit towards a course, you must demonstrate that you have already completed learning and/or gained industry experience that is:
• Relevant
• Current
• Satisfies the learning/competency outcomes of the course
Please refer to the following link for more information about Credit Transfer and/or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/enrolment/credit
Study and learning Support:
Study and Learning Centre (SLC) provides free learning and academic development advice to you.
Services offered by SLC to support your numeracy and literacy skills are:
• Assignment writing, thesis writing and study skills advice
• Maths and Science developmental support and advice
• English language development
Please refer to the following link for more information about study and learning support:
http://www.rmit.edu.au/studyandlearningcentre
Equitable Learning Services (ELS):
If you are suffering from long-term medical condition or disability, you should contact Equitable Learning Services (ELS) to seek advice and support to complete your studies.
Please refer to the following link for more information about equitable learning services:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/student-support/equitable-learning-services
Late submission:
If you require an Extension of Submittable Work (assignments, reports or project work etc.) for 7 calendar days or less (from the original due date) and have valid reasons, you must complete and lodge an Application for Extension of Submittable Work (7 Calendar Days or less) form and lodge it with the Senior Educator/ Program Manager.
The application must be lodged no later than one working day before the official due date. You will be notified within no more than 2 working days of the date of lodgement as to whether the extension has been granted.
If you seek an Extension of Submittable Work for more than 7 calendar days (from the original due date) must lodge an Application for Special Consideration form under the provisions of the Special Consideration Policy, preferably prior to, but no later than 2 working days after the official due date.
Submittable Work (assignments, reports or project work etc.) submitted late without approval of an extension will not be accepted or marked.
Special consideration:
Please refer to the following link for more information about special considerations:
http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration
Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is a form of cheating, and it is very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University.
Please refer to the following link for more information about plagiarism:
www.rmit.edu.au/academicintegrity
All email communications will be sent to your RMIT email address, and you must regularly check your RMIT emails.
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