SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Prepare a satellite imagery 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
116821  Prepare a satellite imagery 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Geographical Information Sciences 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction Physical Planning, Design and Management 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will be useful to people who wish to have a basic level of understanding of remote sensing. This standard will be an entry-level education for someone entering the field of remote sensing.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of data structures used for satellite imagery.
  • Understand corrections performed on data prior to delivery of the image to the end user.
  • Understand characteristics of sensors.
  • Understand differences between sensor types. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Introductory Spatial Awareness.
  • Data compression algorithms.
  • Achieve a basic knowledge of GIS raster software functions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of data structures used for satellite imagery. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Data structures include but not limited to GeoTIFF, HDF, ERS, IMG. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The header for the data is opened and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Header information about the structure of the data for GeoTIFF, HDF, ERS, IMG.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Digital satellite data are imported correctly. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Band interleaved, band interleaved by pixel, band sequential, hierarchical data.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Digital satellite data are displayed coherently as separate bands. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Band interleaved, band interleaved by pixel, band sequential, hierarchical data.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Different bands of the satellite data are identified correctly. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Band interleaved, band interleaved by pixel, band sequential, hierarchical data.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Digital satellite data are saved in the appropriate format. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Band interleaved, band interleaved by pixel, band sequential, hierarchical data.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Understand corrections performed on data prior to delivery of the image to the end user. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The header for the data is opened and the structure is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Header information about the corrections made to the data for GeoTIFF, HDF, ERS, IMG.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Radiometric, geometric and atmospheric corrections are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The effects of corrections are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Radiometric, Geometric, Atmospheric and lens based corrections.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Understand characteristics of sensors. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Characteristic includes but not limited to analogue, digital, active, passive, sensogeometry, image geometry. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The limitations and advantages of analogue sensors are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The limitations and advantages of digital sensors are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Push broom, line scanner, mirror based, prism based, mirror/prism based.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The differences between active and passive digital sensors explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Sensor geometry is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Nadir, off-nadir, geo-pointing, pixel shape.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Image geometry is understood and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Pixel size, row offset (earth rotation).
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Understand the differences between sensor types. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Sensor types include but not limited to Landsat MSS, Landsat TM, SPOT 3, SPOT 4, SPOT 5, EROS, Ikonos, RADARSAT, Meteosat, Quickbird, Earlybird, ASTER, SPIN-2, IRS. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Spatial characteristics are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Spatial resolution and scene dimensions.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Spectral characteristics are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Number of bands and spectral resolution of each.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Temporal characteristics are understood and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Re-visitation cycle, sensor lifetime.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Numeric precision of pixel values is understood and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Geo-pointing ability is understood and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Stereoscopic, oblique and rapid revisit.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Access to the data is known and understood. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Cost, availability, mode of delivery and delivery response time.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Applications of the sensors are understood and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Including but not limited to earth observation, meteorology and military.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Moderation
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA by SAQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Solve problems.
  • The header for the data is opened and explained.
  • Digital satellite data are imported correctly.
  • Digital satellite data are displayed coherently as separate bands.
  • Different bands of the satellite data are identified correctly.
  • Digital satellite data are saved in the appropriate format.
  • Radiometric, geometric and atmospheric corrections are explained.
  • The effects of corrections are explained. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team/ group/ organisation or community.
  • None 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
  • The header for the data is opened and explained.
  • Digital satellite data are imported correctly.
  • Digital satellite data are displayed coherently as separate bands.
  • Different bands of the satellite data are identified correctly.
  • Digital satellite data are saved in the appropriate format.
  • The header for the data is opened and the structure is explained.
  • Radiometric, geometric and atmospheric corrections are explained.
  • The effects of corrections are explained. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • The header for the data is opened and explained.
  • Digital satellite data are imported correctly.
  • Digital satellite data are displayed coherently as separate bands.
  • Different bands of the satellite data are identified correctly.
  • Digital satellite data are saved in the appropriate format.
  • The header for the data is opened and the structure is explained.
  • Radiometric, geometric and atmospheric corrections are explained.
  • The effects of corrections are explained.
  • The limitations and advantages of analogue sensors are explained.
  • The limitations and advantages of digital sensors are explained.
  • The differences between active and passive digital sensors explained.
  • Sensor geometry is explained.
  • Image geometry is understood and explained.
  • Spatial characteristics are explained.
  • Spectral characteristics are explained.
  • Temporal characteristics are understood and explained.
  • Numeric precision of pixel values is understood and explained.
  • Geo-pointing ability is understood and explained.
  • Access to the data is known and understood.
  • Applications of the sensors are understood and explained. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematics and language skills in the modes of oral and written presentations.
  • The header for the data is opened and explained.
  • The header for the data is opened and the structure is explained.
  • Radiometric, geometric and atmospheric corrections are explained.
  • The effects of corrections are explained.
  • The limitations and advantages of analogue sensors are explained.
  • The limitations and advantages of digital sensors are explained.
  • The differences between active and passive digital sensors explained.
  • Sensor geometry is explained.
  • Image geometry is understood and explained.
  • Spatial characteristics are explained.
  • Spectral characteristics are explained.
  • Temporal characteristics are understood and explained.
  • Numeric precision of pixel values is understood and explained.
  • Geo-pointing ability is understood and explained.
  • Access to the data is known and understood.
  • Applications of the sensors are understood and explained. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically (showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others).
  • The header for the data is opened and explained.
  • Digital satellite data are imported correctly.
  • Digital satellite data are displayed coherently as separate bands.
  • Different bands of the satellite data are identified correctly.
  • Digital satellite data are saved in the appropriate format.
  • The header for the data is opened and the structure is explained.
  • Radiometric, geometric and atmospheric corrections are explained.
  • The effects of corrections are explained.
  • The limitations and advantages of analogue sensors are explained.
  • The limitations and advantages of digital sensors are explained.
  • The differences between active and passive digital sensors explained.
  • Sensor geometry is explained.
  • Image geometry is understood and explained.
  • Spatial characteristics are explained.
  • Spectral characteristics are explained.
  • Temporal characteristics are understood and explained.
  • Numeric precision of pixel values is understood and explained.
  • Geo-pointing ability is understood and explained.
  • Access to the data is known and understood.
  • Applications of the sensors are understood and explained. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Display an understanding of the world as a set of related systems.
  • The effects of corrections are explained. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    Assessors should keep the following principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the candidate can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  49063   National Certificate: Geographical Information Sciences  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CETA 
    Core  58784   National Diploma: Geospatial Image Analysis  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2020-07-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.