NZQA registered unit standard
23859 version 2
Page 1 of 3
Title
Demonstrate knowledge of geodetic reference systems and describe
the New Zealand geodetic datums
Level
6
Credits
5
Purpose
People credited with this unit standard are able to demonstrate
knowledge of geodetic reference systems, and describe the
New Zealand geodetic datums.
Classification
Surveying > Geodetic Surveying
Available grade
Achieved
Explanatory notes
1
Documentation relevant to this unit standard includes but is not limited to:
L P, First-order, Geodetic Triangulation of New Zealand 1909-1949; 1973-1974.
(Wellington: Department of Lands and Survey, 1978), referred to as Geodetic Datum
1949;
Snay, RA and Soler, T, Modern Terrestrial Reference Systems (Part 1), published in
Professional Surveyor December 1999, available at
http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/CORS/Articles/Reference-Systems-Part-1.pdf;
Where in the World Are We? Land Information New Zealand available at
http://www.linz.govt.nz.
2
Definitions
DORIS refers to Doppler Orbitography and Radiopositioning Integrated by Satellite.
NZGD 1949 refers to the New Zealand Geodetic Datum dated 1949.
NZGD 2000 refers to the New Zealand Geodetic Datum dating from 2000.
Geodetic convention refers to the principles and practices outlined in Bomford, G,
Geodesy, Fourth edition (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1980) and in Land
Information New Zealand (LINZ) publications and fact sheets available from the
survey system and geodetic information pages at http://www.linz.govt.nz.
GRS refers to Geodetic Reference System.
ITRF refers to International Terrestrial Reference Frame.
WGS refers to World Geodetic System.
Outcomes and evidence requirements
Outcome 1
Demonstrate knowledge of geodetic reference systems.
Infrastructure ITO
SSB Code 101813
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
23859 version 2
Page 2 of 3
Evidence requirements
1.1
The difference between inertial and earth-fixed reference systems is described
in accordance with geodetic convention.
1.2
An international terrestrial reference frame is described in terms of how it is set
up.
Range
reference frames include but are not limited to – ITRF 2000, WGS
84, ITRF 96;
1.3
The differences between the physical Earth, the geoid, and an ellipsoid of
revolution are outlined in accordance with geodetic convention.
1.4
The parameters of geoid-ellipsoid separation and deflection of the vertical are
defined and explained in accordance with geodetic convention.
1.5
A global reference system is defined and explained in accordance with geodetic
convention.
Range
global reference systems include but are not limited to – GRS 80,
ITRF 96, ITRF 2000, WGS 84.
1.6
Positions on the Earth's surface are defined in terms of Cartesian coordinates,
geographic coordinates, and the ellipsoidal height.
1.7
The differences between the geoid and observed mean sea level, and between
geometric and gravimetric heights are explained in accordance with geodetic
convention.
Outcome 2
Describe the New Zealand geodetic datums.
Evidence requirements
2.1
The primary differences between NZGD 1949 and NZGD 2000 are described in
accordance with LINZ publications.
2.2
The primary differences between NZVD 2009, the geoid and ellipsoid are
described in accordance with LINZ publications
Planned review date
Infrastructure ITO
SSB Code 101813
31 December 2020
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
23859 version 2
Page 3 of 3
Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process
Version Date
Last Date for Assessment
Registration
1
25 February 2008
31 December 2017
Review
2
21 April 2016
N/A
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference
0101
This CMR can be accessed at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/search/index.do.
Please note
Providers must be granted consent to assess against standards (accredited) by NZQA,
before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses
of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be granted consent to assess against standards by
NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.
Providers and Industry Training Organisations, which have been granted consent and
which are assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that
applies to those standards.
Requirements for consent to assess and an outline of the moderation system that applies
to this standard are outlined in the Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMRs). The
CMR also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing
to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors
and assessors, and special resource requirements.
Comments on this unit standard
Please contact the Infrastructure ITO qualifications@connexis.org.nz if you wish to
suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.
Infrastructure ITO
SSB Code 101813
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016