Course Title: Produce maps for land management purposes
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2025
Course Code: GEOM5177C
Course Title: Produce maps for land management purposes
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 & Sustainability
RMIT University
MELBOURNE 3001
Victoria, Australia
Email: gregory.patterson@rmit.edu.au
Work: +61 3 9925 9218
Mobile: 0400231518
Nominal Hours: 120
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 access geographical information and incorporate it into maps for use in land management.
The course applies to individuals whose job role includes preparing maps by hand or by using geographical information systems (GIS) for land management purposes, and applying specialist skills to provide solutions to technical and unpredictable problems. Individuals work autonomously, instruct, and monitor the work of others within a team. They use discretion and judgment in the selection, allocation and use of available resources.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
AHCLPW410 Produce maps for land management purposes |
Element: |
1. Obtain information for a specific land management purpose |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Define information required from data sets 1.2 Collect and record information from stakeholders consistent with local area management strategy 1.3 Collect temporal and spatial data 1.4 Review information for relevance and accuracy |
Element: |
2. Assess data availability |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Ascertain availability of data sets 2.2 Establish intellectual property ownership of data and access requirements 2.3 Obtain data in accordance with industry standards, statutory requirements and enterprise policy 2.4 Develop procedures to capture data |
Element: |
3. Assess data quality |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Assess data for integrity and suitability for task 3.2 Investigate and resolve disparities between data sets |
Element: |
4. Format and present data |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Identify compatible formats for data 4.2 Assemble data elements according to proposed map purpose 4.3 Select data formats to meet user's requirements 4.4 Present information using suitable media 4.5 Present information according to workplace requirements and Australian Standards |
Element: |
5. Incorporate data onto maps |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1 Use computer applications to manipulate data onto maps 5.2 Produce draft maps showing spatial and temporal data according to land management strategy 5.3 Review and edit maps to ensure accuracy 5.4 Develop a key to identify map elements according to purpose 5.5 Analyse map for data required in land management planning |
Element: |
6. Review stakeholder satisfaction |
Performance Criteria: |
6.1 Seek feedback on suitability for purpose from stakeholders 6.2 Review and modify map to resolve concerns raised in feedback |
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:
- Project management principles: Initiation, Planning, Execution, Monitoring and controlling, Execution
- Topographic mapping Principles
- Obtaining and validating datasets
- Updating spatial data schemas
- Creating maps with marginalia
Teaching Schedule
Syllabus
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 |
Session One 14-20 July |
Session Title: Introduction to the subject and Assessment requirements Description: During this session, the student will be provided with an overview of the assessment. The teacher will guide the students through the assessment documentation, explaining the requirements and expectations. You will also be introduced to project management. Furthermore, software licenses will be distributed to the students, enabling them to install and utilise the required software on their personal computers. This will allow them to work on the assessment tasks conveniently from their home environment. In addition to the assessment materials, students will also be introduced to various supplementary training resources. These resources may include platforms like LinkedIn Training, where they can access additional training modules and materials to enhance their knowledge and skills beyond the scope of the assessment. |
Assessment 1 Released |
Session Two 21-27 July |
Session Title: Introduction to mapping - training Description: During this session, you will gain an introduction to various types of mapping products created through spatial data and imagery. Additionally, you will delve into the fundamental components that constitute a map, exploring how spatial data and imagery are utilized to create informative and visually appealing representations. |
|
Session Three 28 July - 3 August |
Session Title: Obtain and Validate Datasets - Training Description: In this session, students will be provided training in obtaining required spatial datasets, uploading the datasets into an ESRI File Geodatabase and validating spatial data. |
|
Session Four 4-10 August |
Session Title: Project Management - Training Description: In this session, students will be provided training in completing the required documentation relating to the assessment tasks. Documents include: Minutes for meetings, Project Scoping Document, Project Planning that includes financial costs associated with the project. |
|
Session Five 11-17 August |
Session Title: Meet and Clarify Requirements Description: During this session, you'll receive an assessment task. Before proceeding with it, you'll participate actively in a meeting alongside a client and colleagues. The meeting's primary goal is to engage in thorough discussions to identify and understand all requirements, such as objectives, standards, necessary uploads, and more. You will have the opportunity to consider your own role in contributing to the broader goals of the work environment, recognising how your actions and decisions can align with and support the overall organisational objectives. Note: Throughout this task, you're planning and organising skills, oral communication, and teamwork abilities will be closely observed and assessed. |
Assessment 1: Meet and Clarify requirements
Submissions 1. meeting notes
|
Session Six 18-24 August |
Session Title: Project Planning Description: In this session, students will receive an assessment task centered on project planning. Your objective will be to plan all scheduled tasks and timelines using suitable software tools, complete a risk assessment and determine budget requirements. |
Assessment 1 Project Planning
Submission: 1. Draft of Project Scoping Document 2. Draft of Project Plan 3. Draft of Risk Management Plan 4, Draft of Budget
|
Session Seven 25-31 August |
Session Title: Obtain and Validate Datasets - Assessment 1 Description: In this session, students will obtain spatial datasets required for the assessment. The student will then upload the datasets into an ESRI File Geodatabase and validate the spatial datasets obtained. |
Assessment 1 Obtain and Validate Datasets
Submissions: Progress report 1
|
Semester Break 1-7 September |
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. Semester 2 census date 01 Sep 2025 |
|
Session Eight 8-14 September |
Session Title: Topographic Map Production - Assessment 1 Description: In this session, students will produce the topographic map using data within the ESRI File Geodatabase. |
Assessment 1 Produce Topographic Map |
Session Nine 15-21 September |
Session Title: Submission - Assessment 1 Description: In this session, students will submit all requirements |
Assessment 1 Due: 22 Sep 2025 1. Portfolio
2. Project Plan 3. ESRI File Geodatabase 4. Map in 3D PDF Format |
Session Ten 22-28 September |
Session Title: Meet and Clarify Requirements - Assessment 2 Description: During this session, the student will be provided with an ove in thorough discussions to identify aerview of assessment 2 requirements. The teacher will guide the students through the assessment documentation, explaining the requirements and expectations. AFL Grand Final public holiday (Friday) 26 Sep 2025 |
Assessment 2 Released |
Session Eleven 29 September - 5 October |
Session Title: Introduction to Unsupervised and Supervised Classification Description: During this session, the student will be provided training in using remote sensing imagery to capture features. |
|
Session Twelve 6-12 October |
Session Title: Introduction to Unsupervised and Supervised Classification - Continued Description: During this session, the student will be provided training in using remote sensing imagery to capture features. |
|
Session Thirteen 13-19 October |
Session Title: Project Planning - Assessment 2 - Update Description: In this session, students will update all requirements as per project requirements. |
|
Session Fourteen 20-26 October |
Session Title: Capture Pine Forests - Assessment 2 Description: During this session, the student will use remote sensing imagery to capture features required for the Assessment. |
Submission Progress Report |
Session Fifteen 27 October- 2 November |
Session Title: Work on Assessment requirements Description: In this session, The students will work on their assessment. |
|
Session Sixteen 3-9 November |
Session Title: Submission - Assessment 2 Description: In this session, students will submit all requirements
Melbourne Cup Day public holiday (Tuesday) 4 Nov 2025 |
Assessment 2 Due: 10 Nov 2025 1. Portfolio
2. Project Plan 3. ESRI File Geodatabase 4. Map in 3D PDF Format |
Session Seventeen 10-16 November |
Revision and feedback on work completed | |
Session Eighteen 17-23 November |
Assessment marking and finalising results | |
Official Results Release Date 01 December |
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 Nov - 07 Dec 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: Topographic Mapping – Part 1 |
In this assessment, you will be responsible for project managing and producing a topographic map for a regional area in Victoria. This will involve applying project management principles to plan and initiate the project, ensuring all requirements are met. |
14 Jul 2025 |
21 Sep 2025 |
Assessment 2: Topographic Mapping – Part 2 |
In this assessment, you will continue project managing the production of the topographic map, incorporating new layers and overseeing its progress. You will refine and finalise the details to ensure the map meets the required standards for accuracy and quality. |
22 Sep 2025 |
09 Nov 2025 |
Assessment Matrix
Mapping Assessments to the Unit of Competency – Instructions
Element |
Performance criteria |
|
|
|
|
Assessment 1 Topographic Mapping Part 1 |
Assessment 2 Topographic Mapping Part 2 |
1. Obtain information for a specific land management purpose
|
1.1 Define information required from data sets |
1B |
1A |
1.2 Collect and record information from stakeholders consistent with local area management strategy |
1B |
1A |
|
1.3 Collect temporal and spatial data |
1B |
1A |
|
1.4 Review information for relevance and accuracy |
3C |
3B |
|
2. Assess data availability
|
2.1 Ascertain availability of data sets
|
3C |
3B |
2.2 Establish intellectual property ownership of data and access requirements
|
3C |
3B |
|
2.3 Obtain data in accordance with industry standards, statutory requirements and enterprise policy |
3C |
3B |
|
2.4 Develop procedures to capture data
|
3C |
3B |
|
3. Assess data quality |
3.1 Assess data for integrity and suitability for task
|
3C |
3B |
3.2 Investigate and resolve disparities between data sets
|
3C |
3B |
|
4. Format and present data
|
4.1 Identify compatible formats for data
|
3C |
3B |
4.2 Assemble data elements according to proposed map purpose
|
3C |
3B |
|
4.3 Select data formats to meet user's requirements
|
3C |
3B |
|
4.4 Present information using suitable media
|
3C |
3B |
|
4.5 Present information according to workplace requirements and Australian Standards
|
3D |
3C |
|
5. Incorporate data onto maps
|
5.1 Use computer applications to manipulate data onto maps
|
3D |
3C |
5.2 Produce draft maps showing spatial and temporal data according to land management strategy
|
3E |
3D |
|
5.3 Review and edit maps to ensure accuracy
|
3E |
3D |
|
5.4 Develop a key to identify map elements according to purpose
|
3D |
3C |
|
5.5 Analyse map for data required in land management planning |
3E |
3D |
|
6. Review Stakeholder satisfaction
|
6.1 Seek feedback on suitability for purpose from stakeholders
|
3E |
3D |
6.2 Review and modify map to resolve concerns raised in feedback
|
3E |
3D |
Foundation Skills –This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria. | ||
Skill |
Description |
|
Reading |
Critically interpret and analyse complex data and information for integration into map of a specific design |
All student will be required to interpret, analyse and validate spatial datasets and associated attributes using the data validation sheet, checking spatial reference, quality and suitability |
Writing |
Use technology to produce, edit and proofread maps to ensure accuracy, clarity of meaning and consistency of information |
The students will be required to use computers with GIS software to produce and edit spatial data and associated attributes and ensure that the data is accurate spatially with the required projection The students will be required to validate and proofread maps produced by other students and provide feedback |
Numeracy |
Extract and manipulate mathematical information from data sets to produce accurate maps for scale and distances |
Student will be required to produce maps from spatial datasets and include scale text and scale bar showing distances. The maps will be validated by other students which the students will be required to update any issues identified |
Performance - Evidence An individual demonstrating competency must satisfy all of the elements and performance criteria in this unit. | ||
There must be evidence that the individual has produced at least one map, for any three of the following land management purposes:
|
Assessment 1 Topographic Mapping Part 1 |
Assessment 2 Topographic Mapping Part 2 |
|
3D |
3C |
There must be evidence that the individual has: | ||
sourced data sets that provide the required information, ensuring data complies with intellectual property (IP) and copyright legislation |
2B |
2B |
validated data for currency and compared to ground observations |
3C |
3B |
presented data according to workplace requirements |
3D |
3C |
incorporated data onto a map |
3D |
3C |
used computer software for drafting and editing maps and checking and managing data according to workplace standards |
3D |
3C |
provided a map key and any supporting information required |
3D |
3C |
reviewed and assessed maps suitability for purpose and value with stakeholders. |
3E |
3D |
Knowledge Evidence | ||
An individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge required to perform the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit. This includes knowledge of: |
Assessment 1 Topographic Mapping Part 1 |
Assessment 2 Topographic Mapping Part 2 |
types of mapping and mapping styles for use in land management and production systems
|
1C1 |
|
sources of information and data sets required for map development:
|
1C2 |
|
equipment used for obtaining and checking mapping data, including:
|
1C3, 1C4, 1C5 |
|
land management processes relevant to map being prepared |
2E |
|
mapping principles and conventions, including:
|
1C6 |
|
use of software and hardware, including:
|
1C7, 1C8 |
|
assessing and evaluating processes for map and map design, including:
|
1C9
Did not use the word ‘soliciting’. Used the word obtained |
|
Assessment conditions
|
Describe how assessments meet the assessment conditions |
Assessment of the skills in this unit of competency must take place under the following conditions: | |
physical conditions: skills must be demonstrated in a land management environment or an environment that accurately represents workplace conditions |
Work will be completed within the classroom. The students will have access to all information required to meet land management requirements |
resources, equipment and materials: digital technology with mapping and data access software; basic survey equipment for verifying mapping data |
resources, equipment and materials: digital technology with mapping and data access software will be available in the labs. The students will also have access to home licences – ESRI ArcGIS Pro, Safe Software FME, Project Libre. The students will have access to the survey store to access basic survey equipment |
specifications:
|
Specifications: The assessment documentation has all the required information relating to workplace policies, procedures, processes for mapping tasks; workplace specifications for mapping requirements; and specific standards for map making within the attachments. |
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards. |
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. |
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
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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