MSS024017
Collect spatial and discrete environmental data


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge to obtain and store spatial and discrete environmental data using handheld global positioning system (GPS) equipment.

This unit applies to environmental technicians working in a range of industry sectors, including environmental monitoring, sampling and field testing; geotechnical services; natural resource management; occupational hygiene monitoring; groundwater and clean water; water treatment, storm and wastewater management; site remediation and rehabilitation.

No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must be applied.


Elements and Performance Criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare for data collection

1.1

Read and interpret legislative and regulatory, workplace requirements and background information for site or project

1.2

Locate, read and interpret specifications for spatial and environmental data collection

1.3

Write a data collection plan in accordance with specifications

1.4

Establish codes for environmental attributes

1.5

Assemble equipment and check that it is fit for purpose

1.6

Confirm plan with supervisor

2

Safely collect GPS and environmental data

2.1

Set up environmental measuring instruments on site and perform pre-use or calibration checks

2.2

Set up GPS equipment with correct datum and projection settings

2.3

Operate instruments and equipment in accordance with manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures

2.4

Determine conditions for obtaining optimum GPS positions

2.5

Collect point positional data in accordance with data collection plan

2.6

Attribute environmental data for each location

2.7

Ground truth GPS data using maps, aerial photos or satellite imagery

2.8

Verify environmental data, identify atypical results and review procedures and troubleshoot equipment

3

Report data and finalise documentation

3.1

Use GPS software to download and process GPS and environmental data and extract required information

3.2

Use specified quality tests and workplace procedures to check acceptability of environmental data

3.3

Complete all required documentation

3.4

Maintain the security and confidentiality of data and documentation in accordance with workplace requirements

Foundation Skills

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.


Sectors

Environmental


Competency Field

Monitoring