Master of Science in Applied Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems

Purpose

This qualification is aimed at preparing learners for work. The qualification also addresses the needs for employment sectors because it equips learners with the relevant exposure and skills required by the employers. Several engagements with the sectors have been made in order to align the qualification with the specific needs required by the sectors.

The learners who completes this qualification are employable in sectors such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Agricultural Research Council (ARC), South African National Space Agency (SANSA), South African National Parks (SANPARKS), Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) and other sectors that specialise in discipline such as built environment, water resource, rural development, mining, marine environmental protection to name few. One of examples in which employment sector was consulted is the meeting between the Department of GIS and remote sensing, and SANSA, where, among other aspects discussed was the types of skills they require from their potential employees. This engagement was accompanied by the signed memorandum of understanding between the GIS and remote sensing Department and the (SANSA).

The learners enrolled for this qualification will have opportunities to become water resource scientist, and they will significantly contribute to resolving global, national and regional water crisis issues. They will also become land use planners, where they will play a major role in the appropriate land allocation and reduce problems associated with allocating land for inappropriate use. The learners can also become crop scientists and assist in minimising problems related to global food security. Last but not the least, they will also become vegetation resource scientists and assist in the protection of vegetation resource and minimise the impacts of global warming.

Rationale

The purpose of this qualification is to address the shortage of skilled personnel in this field and to supply South Africa and the African continent with competent researchers and practitioners in the practical application of Remote Sensing and GIS. As such, this qualification is intended to equip the learners with advanced GIS and remote sensing technical skills and knowledge for solving real world problems.

Remote Sensing and GIS technology is one of the fastest growing industries globally, on a par with/or greater than IT and computer science. It is being applied in nearly every facet of life. The South African and African GIS and Remote Sensing community have identified the lack of and expressed an urgent and major need for training in the fields of Remote Sensing and GIS within South Africa. However, only three academic institutions in South Africa are offering MSc Degree in this discipline. Additionally, this discipline is also offered as part of distance learning Postgraduate Diploma and various short modules (2-6 weeks) encompassed within Geography, Geology or Surveying Degrees by other universities. As such, the content covered is not adequate to fulfil the needs and requirements of employers.

The institution is currently offering GIS and Introduction to Remote Sensing at 2nd year and as a major in 3rd year and has done so for 19 years. The institution started offering an Honours course in applied Remote Sensing and GIS in 2001 with the intention to accommodate the needs and desire of the Honours learners who would like to further their studies at the Masters level. In addition, the institution has considerable expertise and experience in a number of scientific areas, especially those relating to natural resource, agriculture and rural development. An important aspect of applied remote sensing studies is the ability, expertise, and experience to conduct ground-truthing calibration studies. In this regard, the institution is extremely well-positioned, particularly with respect to the science of free-range animals, and applications of planned veldt-burning programmes. The institution was also involved with the NASA backed Safari2000 programme and has direct access to all of the information collected during that programme. In particular, 50 channel hyperspectral data over large portions of Southern Africa were collected and research opportunities in using and interpreting this data abound in a number of earth resource fields.

There is thus little doubt as to the relevance of the qualification to the regional and national need. In addition, the Department has been in touch with a wide range of Remote Sensing and GIS experts with a view to the establishment of an advisory panel to assist with curriculum development and the identification of strategic research areas. The following institutions and companies are among those contacted (to name a few):

• Satellite Application Centre (SAC);
• Anglo American Remote Sensing Unit;
• Agricultural Research Unit (ARC);
• Range and Forage Institute (RFI);
• Terramare Consultants;
• Enviromap CC;
• HSRC-GIS Unit;
• The National Spatial Information;
• Framework (NSIF).

This qualification will equip learners with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, habits, and professional networks needed for a successful career. It is proposed to develop a world class competitive qualification. The subject matter is multi-disciplinary and well suited to forging strategic links and educational partnerships with industry, agriculture, and commerce. Opportunities abound for the pursuance of both local and international research programmes, and possible collaboration with the Netherlands and the Chinese Republic have already been initiated. On a more immediate and local front, building a working partnership with the Alice TLC and the local Eastern Cape Government in Bisho for the development of the local surrounds and communities is a high priority.

The qualification will benefit the learners by placing them in a good platform to get employed. The society will also benefit from this qualification when problems affecting them, such as water resource scarcity, hunger and inappropriate utilisation of the land, to mention few. The institution will also benefit from this qualification because, as one of scarce postgraduate discipline in the country, learners will be attracted to further their studies in the institution. Since this qualification will equip learners with necessary and scarce skills, it will also help economies to move up the value chain beyond manual tasks or simple production processes.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution's RPL Policy will be applied to gain entry to this qualification. An Honours Degree in Applied Remote Sensing and GIS or equivalent, or any other indication of sufficient prior learning and experience that can be demonstrated and assessed. Alternatively learners in possession of a BSc Honours Degree in a number of other disciplines may embark on this qualification, with the provision that they attend certain of the Honours level courses in Remote Sensing and GIS at the discretion of the Head of Department. The multidisciplinary and applied nature of the qualification is well suited to learners applying these techniques to a wide range of research areas within the sciences.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• A Bachelor of Science Honours in Applied Remote Sensing and GIS, NQF Level 8.

Or

• A Bachelor of Science Honours in related field, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory module

Dissertation, 180 Credits.

1. Apply the fundamentals and principles in the interpretation and analysis of Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems problems.
2. Independently design and carry out research in GIS and remote sensing according to scientific quality standards.
3. Communicate both orally and in writing on findings of research work to specialists and non-specialists.
4. Critically reflect on own work.
5. Operate professionally and ethically in handling own research.
6. The ability to do a literature survey.
7. Competency in the use of suitable Remote Sensing and GIS software.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria applies across the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated way

• Identify and justify the selection of certain interpretation and analytical approach of Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems problems.
• Identify research issue and select suitable GIS and remote sensing techniques to apply in addressing the identified issue.
• Communicate research work orally and in writing.
• Defend own work.
• Adhere strictly to the principles of unbiased investigation using the appropriate scientific method.
• Be familiar with this field of research and have done a literature survey.
• Use the most appropriate software and techniques for the given problem.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment

Develop research project according to its stages.

Improve research by addressing comments from supervisor.

Summative Assessment

Presentation of research stages (either face-to-face or via online platform) for the student to gain permission to progress to the next research stage.

Examination of dissertation by 2 external examiners whose qualifications, teaching and research experiences have to be approved by the Faculty Higher Degrees Committee.