Updated:   11 December 2006

Appendix J - Validation Tests

1. About Validation and Testing

The Validation and Testing cell (VAT) tests the TOPO250K/TOPO100K National Topographic Database (NTDB) for compliance to the Technical Specifications. The standard tests are outlined in this Appendix. Other tests may be carried out to ensure compliance to the Specification from time to time.

Testing is carried out using a mixture of computer programs and proprietary GIS packages (such as ArcGIS).Many of the tests are automated, using customised computer programs. These are supported by on-screen graphical checks and visual inspection of the map.

Where feature populations are small or the tests are particularly important, the full population will be tested. Where feature populations are large, or a less stringent tolerance applies, a sample area or statistical subset may be tested. Statistical subsets are a random selection of features from the whole population, while a sample area tests all the relevant features within a selected geographical area.

Statistically acceptable procedures are adopted for tests that require sampling. The sampling procedures adopted are based on the Australian Standard AS1199-1988: Sampling procedures and tables for inspection by attribute.

The Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) is in the range of 0% to 5%. Generally, the AQL is applied to each relevant coverage in the database.

The following tables give the appropriate sample size for particular population sizes, and acceptance and rejection numbers for particular sample sizes and Acceptable Quality Levels (AQL's).


  AQL 0.50% 1% 2% 5% 10%
Population Size Sample Size Ac,Re Ac,Re Ac,Re Ac,Re Ac,Re
2 to 8 2       0,1  
9 to 15 3    
16 to 25 5     0,1 1,2
26 to 50 8   2,3 3,4
51 to 90 13 0,1 2,3 3,4
91 to 150 20 0,1 1,2 3,4 5,6
151 to 280 32 2,3 4,5 7,8
281 to 500 50 1,2 3,4 5,6 10,11
501 to 1200 80 1,2 2,3 4,5 8,9 14,15
1201 to 3200 125 2,3 3,4 6,7 12,13 21,22
3201 to 10000 200 3,4 5,6 8,9 17,18
10001 to 35000 315 4,5 7,8 12,13 21,22  
35001 to 150000 500 6,7 10,11 17,18  
150001 to 500000 800 8,9 14,15 21,22    
500001 and over 1200 12,13 21,22    

Table Application Legend
Use the first sampling plan below the arrow. If the sample size equals, or exceeds the population size, carry out 100% inspection
Use the first sampling plan above the arrow
Ac Accept Number
Re Reject Number

For some tests, no errors are allowed and the entire population is tested. For other tests, samples are tested to ensure that an error rate of between 0.5% and 5% is possible in the data.

Where records indicate that a particular test is passed every time for Work Units from a contractor, those tests will be classified into a 'spot' class. Spot tests are carried out on a random sample of work units. This procedure continues until the data begins to fail the test. When this happens the test will again be carried out on all Work Units until it can again be classified in the spot class. Where tests are automated or are critical, they are performed for each Work Unit, regardless of the past record.

This testing methodology ensures a 99% confidence that the error rate is less than the AQL.

Where errors are detected but the number of errors detected is less than the rejection number, the test is passed but noted in the 'other test errors' section of the VAT report. If the tile fails another test the tile should be examined for errors of this type and the errors must be fixed before the tile is submitted again. If the tile passes these errors are recorded and corrected when future revision takes place.


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2. Validation tests

The following tables describe the tests carried out in VAT, the sample size and the AQL. Note that the Tests are deliberately numbered with gaps left in their sequence, to allow for future additional tests (if and when necessary) and also for Specifications maintenance reasons. As a consequence, some Test Numbers may appear sequentially without these gaps. The listed Test Numbers and their associated Report Numbers are identical in all cases to allow for easy identification.

2.1 NATIONAL TOPOGRAPHIC DATABASE (1:250 000 & 1:100 000 scale)

2.1.1 Logical Consistency

Logical consistency is a measure of the degree to which the data are internally consistent and comply with the technical specification in the way they are structured.

TEST /
REPORT
LOGICAL CONSISTENCY CHECK TEST TYPE AQL
1 Data Format and Spatial Reference components are correct Full Population 0%
3 Schema is correct Full Population 0%
5 Database resolution is correct Full Population 0%
7 Linear Features have more than one coordinate pair Full Population 0%
9 Features do not fall outside the Work Unit data extent Full Population 0%
11 Line segments are greater than the minimum length specified Full Population 5%
13 Line segments are less than the maximum length specified Full Population 0.5%
15 There are no duplicate coincident features existing within a Feature Class Full Population 0%
17 There are no coincident arc segments in a single line feature, or intersecting arcs without a node Full Population 0.5%
19 Bounding Lines exist around polygons, and are fully closed Full Population 0%
21 There are no illegal Pseudo Nodes existing in Linear Feature Classes Full Population 2%
22 Line Features are Single Part where expected Full Population 0%
23 There are no invalid undershoots existing in Linear Feature Classes Full Population 0.5%
25 There are no collapsed or small invalid polygons existing in Polygon Feature Classes Full Population 5%
27 There are no artefacts existing in Linear Feature Classes Full Population 5%
29 There are no short invalid lines existing in Linear Feature Classes Full Population 5%
31 There are no invalid overshoots existing in Linear Feature Classes Full Population 1%
33 Abutting polygons do not have the same attributes Full Population 1%
35 Illegal null values do not exist in Feature Attribute fields Full Population 0%
36 Attribute field name aliases are correct Full Population 0%
37 The Limit Of Data (In Framework) matches with the Reference Framework Full Population 0%
38 Feature Geometry is not empty Full Population 0%
39 Feature segments are coincident where required between Feature Classes Full Population 5%
41 Junctions in Framework Boundaries are coincident with Junctions in the the Waterbody Boundaries Feature Class Full Population 5%
43 Road Junctions, Passes or Populated Places are coincident with Roads Full Population 5%
45 Road Bridges, Fords, Road Tunnels, Grids or Gates are coincident with Roads Full Population 1%
47 Railway Bridges, Railway Tunnels, Railway Causeways or Railway Stations are coincident with Railways Full Population 1%
49 Waterholes, Waterfalls, Rapid Lines, Spillways or Locks are coincident with Watercourses Full Population 1%
51 Homesteads are correctly cloned as Buildings Full Population 5%
53 Coastline is correctly cloned as Zero Elevation Contour Full Population 1%
55 Waterbodies located within Mainland or Island (do not fall in the Sea) Full Population 1%
57 Buildings, Localities, Caves, Pinnacles or Lighthouses do not fall in the Sea Full Population 1%
59 Reefs or Offshore Islands are surrounded by Sea Full Population 1%
61 Spot Elevations, Benchmarks or Horizontal Control Points do not fall in Sea or Waterbodies Full Population 1%
63 Sand Ridges, Roads or Railways do not fall in Waterbodies Full Population 1%
65 Buildings or Localities do not fall in Waterbodies Full Population 1%
67 Junctions are correctly located with respect to other features Full Population 1%
69 Connectors are located in Waterbodies Full Population 1%
71 Ferry Routes are located in Waterbodies or Sea Full Population 0.5%
73 Wrecks or Offshore Rocks are located in Sea Full Population 1%
75 Spot Elevations, Benchmarks or Horizontal Control Points are consistent with Contours Full Population 1%
77 Polygon features in the Vegetation Layer do not overlap with other polygon features Full Population 1%
79 Limit Of Data features are densified correctly Full Population 1%
81 State Border is consistent with the COAST-100K data Full Population 0%
83 Ferry Routes are connected to either a Road or Rail network Full Population 5%
85 Features are consistent with the Fence and Water Facilities Guide Full Population 1%
87 Features are captured as required from revision sources Sample 2%
89 Features are positioned accurately from revision sources Sample 5%
91 Features are attributed correctly from revision sources Sample 5%
93 Limit Of Data and bounding polygons are coincident with the Limit Of Data in the Reference Framework Full Population 1%
95 FeatureType priority for Voids and Polygon Boundary Lines between different polygons is correct Full Population 2%
97 Multi-polygon features created and attributed correctly Full Population 2%
99 Rapid Area features are coincident with Watercourse Areas Full Population 2%
101 Sea Walls are coincident with the Framework Boundary Line Full Population 2%
103 Dams are coincident with Roads Full Population 2%
105 Extraneous Void features do not exist Full Population 5%
107 Depression Contours have correct direction Full Population 5%
109 Administration Boundaries have correct direction Full Population 5%
111 Cuttings and Embankments have correct direction Full Population 5%
113 Cliffs have correct direction Sample 5%
115 Watercourse Line Flow Direction Arrows have correct direction Sample 5%


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2.1.2 Attribute Accuracy

Attribute accuracy is a measure of the degree to which the features and their attributes agree with the information on the source material. For this product, attribute accuracy is a measure of the degree to which the attribute values of a feature agree with the information on the source material.


TEST /
REPORT
ATTRIBUTE CHECK TEST TYPE AQL
117 Attribute values (other than for FeatureType and Type) are within the valid range, consistent with the Data Dictionary Full Population 2%
119 Data Quality Fields are populated correctly Full Population 0%
121 Persistent Identifiers (PIDs) exist and are valid and unique Full Population 0%
123 Feature Type and Type exist and are valid Full Population 1%
125 Cartographic Features have correct attributes Full Population 2%
127 Road Classification is correct Statistical subset 5%
129 Road Formation is correct Statistical subset 5%
131 Road Names are correct Statistical subset 5%
133 National Route Numbers (NRNs) are correct Statistical subset 5%
135 State Route Numbers (NRNs) are correct Statistical subset 5%
137 Railway Status is correct Statistical subset 5%
139 Railway Gauge is correct Statistical subset 5%
141 Railway Track Numbers are correct Statistical subset 5%
143 Railway Names are correct Statistical subset 5%
145 Builtup Area Names are correct Statistical subset 5%
147 Locality Names are correct Statistical subset 2%
149 Attributes for Mainland or Islands are correct Full Population 0%
151 Sea Names are correct Full Population 0%
153 Island Names are correct Statistical subset 5%
155 Aircraft Facility Types are correct Full Population 5%
157 Aircraft Facility Names are correct Full Population 5%
159 Reserved Areas or Prohibited Areas are correct Statistical subset 5%
161 Perenniality of Watercourses are correct Statistical subset 5%
163 Hierarchy of Watercourses are correct Statistical subset 5%
165 Watercourse names are correct Statistical subset 5%
167 Perenniality of Waterbodies is correct Statistical subset 5%
169 Waterbodies name are correct Statistical subset 5%
171 Main channels within primary banks of named braided watercourses are named Statistical subset 5%
175 Watercourse Name attributes are contiguous where intended Statistical subset 2%
177 Road Name attributes are contiguous where intended Statistical subset 2%
179 National Route Number (NRN) attributes on Roads are contiguous where intended Statistical subset 2%
181 State Route Number (NRN) attributes on Roads are contiguous where intended Statistical subset 2%
183 Status attributes on Railways are contiguous where intended Full population 2%
185 Gauge attributes on Railways are contiguous where intended Full Population 2%
187 Railway Name attributes are contiguous where intended Full Population 2%
189 Product attributes on Pipelines are contiguous where intended Full Population 2%
191 Relationship attributes on Pipelines are contiguous where intended Full Population 2%
193 Attributes or spatial position of features in overlap areas revised correctly, where appropriate and in accordance with the Specifications Full Population 5%
195 Positional mismatches do not exist across adjoining Work Units for linear features Full Population 1%
197 Attribute mismatches do not exist across adjoining Work Units for linear features Full Population 1%
199 Attribute mismatches do not exist across adjoining Work Units for polygon features Full Population 1%


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2.2 NATMAP

2.2.1 Map proof verification

High quality proofs are used to verify the content and quality of the final NATMAP product prior to final map printing. Note All tests on the quality proof material is mandatory.The EPS files associated with the NATMAP product will be generated to a minimum standard of 400 dots per inch (dpi).

TEST /
REPORT
CHECK AQL
201 Quality proof is produced from, or compatible with, the submitted data. No errors
203 Registration control marks exist and registration is correct on quality proof No errors
205 Colour control exists and is correct on quality proof No errors
207 Masking of features on quality proof is correct 1%
209 Quality proof labelling is correct No errors


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2.2.2 Marginalia

The marginalia is all the information contained in the map surrounds, the area of the map to the left and below the neatline. All tests on the marginalia are mandatory and errors are not acceptable.

TEST /
REPORT
DIAGRAMS/
NOTES etc.
CHECK AQL
211 Commonwealth Copyright Printing Date Date appears and is correct No errors
213 Map Reliability Date appears and is correct No errors
215 Commonwealth Coat of Arms Coat of Arms appears and is correct No errors
217 Map Scale Scale appears and is correct No errors
219 GEOCAT Number Number appears and is correct No errors
220 Bar Code Bar Code appears and scans correctly No errors
221 GDA Logo Logo appears and is correct No errors
223 Map Names Name spelling, font and position is correct No errors
225 Map Numbers Number identifier, font and position is correct No errors
227 Map Edition Numbers Edition identifier, font and position is correct No errors
229 State Names Name, font and position is correct No errors
231 Map of Australia Location box Appears and is correct No errors
233 Index to Adjoining Maps box Appears and is correct No errors
235 Text panels No textual or typographical errors in marginalia No errors
237 Datum Information Panel appears and value accuracy and interval is correct No errors
239 North Point Diagram Diagram appears and relevant values are correct No errors
241 Grid Reference Point Sample Reference Point exists and is correct and consistent with the map No errors
243 100 000 Metre Square Identification panel Panel appears and the layout and letters are correct No errors
245 Climate Graph Graph appears and the lines and values for the stated Locality are correct No errors
247 Legend Symbology is the same as appears on the map and is consistent with the Specifications No errors
249 Geographical values Values and position are correct for the map No errors
251 Grid values Internal and external values, position and offset are correct No errors
253 Road Destinations Arrows and text Arrows, Distances, Text and angle are correct No errors
255 Scale Bar Appears and is represented in kilometres only No errors


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2.2.3 Internal Type Selection and Placement

TEST /
REPORT
CHECK TEST TYPE AQL
257 Feature names are uncluttered and positioned unambiguously Sample Area 5%
259 Feature names do not clash with other map detail Sample Area 2%
261 Feature name abbreviations comply with the Specifications Sample Area 2%
263 All internal type is shown in the correct alignment Full Population 1%
265 Reserve Area names are spelt correctly and avoid other detail Full Population 2%
267 Descriptive notes are wholly in lower case italics Sample 5%
269 Named features or other type do not straddle the map trim edge Full Population 1%
271 Named features are completed within the map bleed area Full Population 1%
273 Named features or labels have the correct font and point size Sample Area 5%
275 Named features or labels are shown in the correct case Sample Area 2%
277 Road names are correct for continuity and point size Sample 5%
279 Railway names are correct for continuity and point size Sample 5%
281 Road Distance values between pins are correct Sample 2%
283 Kilometric Distance Indicator pins exist, are clearly visible and positioned correctly Sample 2%
285 National and State Route Marker values and position are correct Sample 2%
287 Horizontal Control Point identification is correct Sample 2%
289 Spot Height identification is correct Sample 2%
291 Spelling (and name order) of major and well-known features, such as major Roads, Rivers and Localities is correct Full Population 0%
293 Spelling (and name order) of lesser known features is correct Sample Area 5%
295 No extraneous type (not associated with a feature or incomplete) has been shown Full Population 0%
297 Positioning of type conforms to the type placement principles Sample 5%
Hydrographic
299 Names of Rivers and Creeks are correct for spelling, font, continuity, position and type size (internally and to adjoining sheets) Sample 5%
301 Names of Lakes and other waterbodies are correct for spelling, font, type size and position Sample 5%
303 Names of Oceans and Seas are correct for spelling, font, type size and position Sample Area 5%
Grid
305 Full Grid values are shown at the south-west corner of the sheet Full Population 0%
307 Internal laddered Grid values appear and are correct Full Population 0%
309 100 000 Metre Square identification letters (Internal and External) are correct and are positioned correctly Full Population 0%
311 100 000m UTM Grid Zone designation note values are correct, offset and aligned correctly to the Graticule (250K only) Full Population 0%
Relief
313 Spot Elevations and Horizontal Control Point values agree with Contours and Depression Contours Sample 2%
315 Contour values are correct, of sufficient density and read uphill Sample Area 1%
317 The highest elevation (including bleed area) has been shown and is correct (1:250K only) Full Population 0%


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2.2.4 Black Detail (Internal)

Internal Black detail includes all the map features that are to be depicted with Black symbology

TEST /
REPORT
CHECK TEST TYPE AQL
General
319 Features meet the neatline where appropriate Sample 1%
321 The final text is not cluttered or ambiguous of content Sample Area 5%
323 Features that appear on the previous edition appear on the map as specified Sample Area 2%
325 All source materials have been used to ensure revision has been carried out correctly and accuracy requirements are met Sample 1%
327 Symbology is correct for all features and appears only where appropriate Sample 1%
329 Symbols do not clash with type or other symbols Sample Area 5%
331 Annotations are missing symbols or symbols are missing annotation Sample Area 5%
Rail
333 Railway Lines are correct Full Population 1%
335 Railway Stations are correct Full Population 5%
337 Railway Stations and Bridges are coincident with Railway Lines Full Population 5%
339 Correct Railway Line Gauge is shown Full Population 5%
341 Symbology is correct for all Railway Line and Point features Full Population 1%
343 Railway Lines are displaced for hydrographic features Sample Area 5%
Aerodromes and Landing Grounds
345 All registered Airports and Aerodromes are correctly shown and labelled in accordance with the approved sources Full Population 1%
347 Direction of runways for Aerodromes and Landing Grounds is correct Sample 5%
349 Symbology is correct for line weight, pattern and colour Sample 1%
Relief
351 Horizontal Control Point symbols are correctly orientated Sample 2%
353 Horizontal Control Points and Spot Elevations are positioned accurately in relationship to adjacent Contours Sample 2%
355 Only permanently marked and monumented Horizontal Control Points are shown Sample 2%
357 Coastline is broken (symbolised to '0') on the map where coincident with Cliffs Sample 5%
359 Contours are broken (symbolised to '0') on the map where coincident with Cliffs Sample 5%
361 Cuttings and Embankments are correctly aligned to Roads and Railways Full Population 5%
Graticule
363 Symbology for the Graticule is correct Full Population 0%


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2.2.5 General Cultural Detail

TEST /
REPORT
CHECK TEST TYPE AQL
365 Buildings and Homesteads do not fall on Roads and Railways, or within Waterbodies, Sea or Watercourse Areas Sample Area 5%
367 Bridges are coincident with Roads or Railways, and traverse Streams Sample 5%
369 Fences do not run through Vehicular Tracks Sample 5%
371 Fences, Bores, Tanks, Windpumps and Wells only appear within specified areas, in accordance with Appendix C Full Population 0%
373 Fences are labelled where appropriate eg. dog proof fence Sample Area 5%
375 Gates and Grids are correctly aligned to Fences and centred on Roads Sample Area 5%
377 Fences do not continue through symbolised Yards, Gates and Stock Grids Sample Area 5%
379 Fences are contiguous where intended (i.e. no invalid gaps appear) Sample Area 5%
381 Locks are aligned correctly and centred on Streams Full Population 5%
385 Powerlines are broken (symbolised to '0') on the map where they pass through Builtup Areas Sample 5%
387 Windpumps and Mines have correct orientation Sample 1%
389 Wharves are parallel to the coast Full Population 5%
391 Orientation of Tunnels and linear features disappearing under ground is correct Full Population 5%
393 Features that appear on the previous edition map appear on the new map where appropriate and as specified Sample Area 2%
395 Ferry Routes are shown and labelled Full Population 2%
397 Large Buildings are shown to scale Full Population 5%
399 Homestead names are correct Sample Area 5%
401 Buildings or other cultural features do not fall in Builtup Areas Sample Area 5%


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2.2.6 Red Detail (Internal)

Internal Red detail includes all map features that are to be depicted with Red symbology.

TEST /
REPORT
CHECK TEST TYPE AQL
Roads
403 Road classifications are correct Sample Area 5%
405 Intersections between different Road classifications are clear of artefacts and undershoots Sample Area 5%
407 Major Roads continue through Builtup Areas. Minor Roads totally contained in Builtup Areas have not been shown, or road generalisation is incorrect Sample Area 5%
409 Roads are correctly abutting Reserve Area boundaries where applicable Sample Area 5%
411 Roads are correctly abutting Builtup Area boundaries where applicable Sample Area 5%
413 Road Distance markers appear for, and are consistent with, Road Distance values Sample 1%
415 Roads are displaced for Railways, Rivers etc. Sample 5%
417 National and State Route Markers are cleared of all other detail Sample 1%
419 Roads that appear on the previous edition map appear on the new map where appropriate and as specified Sample Area 2%
421 All source materials have been used to ensure revision has been carried out and accuracy requirements have been met Sample 1%
423 Symbology is correct for all Road line and point features Sample 1%
Built Up Areas
425 Boundaries do not overlap into other polygons, including Waterbodies, Vegetation Areas, Relief Areas and Offshore Areas etc. Full Population 1%
427 Polygon boundaries are coincident with Roads where applicable Sample Area 5%
429 Polygon boundaries are coincident with Roads where necesssary and applicable Sample Area 5%
431 Features that appear on the previous edition map appear on the new map where appropriate and as specified Sample Area 2%
433 All source materials have been used to ensure revision has been carried out and accuracy requirements have been met Sample Area 1%
435 Symbology is correct for all Builtup Areas and Populated Places Full Population 1%


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2.2.7 Blue Detail (Internal)

Internal Blue detail includes all map features that are to be depicted with Blue symbology.

TEST /
REPORT
CHECK TEST TYPE AQL
437 The Grid meets the neatline and fits the Graticule Full Population 0%
439 Waterbodies do not overlap other area features eg. Builtup Areas Sample 5%
441 Orientation of Flow Arrow heads is correct Sample 5%
443 Orientation of Rapids symbols are correct Sample 5%
445 Minor Streams and Channels have a correction relationship (fit with) the Road pattern Sample 5%
447 Features that appear on the previous edition map appear on the new map where appropriate and as specified Sample Area 2%
449 All source materials have been used to ensure revision has been carried out and accuracy requirements have been met Sample Area 1%
451 Symbology is correct for all features and appears only where appropriate Sample 1%
453 Symbology of Waterbodies is correct with relation to Perenniality Sample Area 5%
Offshore
455 Reef polygons are contained completely within the Sea Full Population 1%
457 Reefs are named where appropriate Sample 2%
459 Features that appear on the previous edition map appear on the new map where appropriate and as specified Sample Area 2%
461 All source materials have been used to ensure revision has been carried out and accuracy requirements have been met Sample 1%
463 Symbology of Offshore Area and Point features is correct Sample 1%
Grid
465 Correct symbology for Grid Lines (10 000m and 100 000m) Full Population 0%


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2.2.8 Brown Detail (Internal)

Internal Brown detail includes all map features that are to be depicted with Brown symbology.

TEST /
REPORT
CHECK TEST TYPE AQL
467 Sand does not appear in vegetated areas, waterbodies and braided watercourses Full Population 5%
469 Sand Ridges are identified by Descriptive Notes and Average Heights where available Sample 5%
471 Sand Ridges do not cross Streams Sample 1%
473 Sand Ridges do not enter Lakes Sample 1%
475 Features that appear on the previous edition map appear on the new map where appropriate and as specified Sample Area 2%
477 All source materials have been used to ensure revision has been carried out and accuracy requirements have been met Sample 1%
479 Symbology for Sand, Foreshore Flats and Sand Ridges is correct Sample 1%
Contours
481 Index Contours exist and are drawn with the correct symbology Sample Area 1%
483 Depression Contours and associated depression ticks are orientated correctly Sample 5%
485 Contours are broken for double-line perennial Watercourses, Lakes, Water Storages, Open Cut Mines and Cliffs Sample 5%
487 Features that appear on the previous edition map appear on the new map where appropriate and as specified Sample Area 2%
489 All source materials have been used to ensure revision has been carried out and accuracy requirements have been met Sample 1%
491 Symbology is correct for Contours Sample 1%


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2.2.9 Green Detail (Internal)

Internal Green detail includes all map features that are to be depicted with Green symbology.

TEST /
REPORT
CHECK TEST TYPE AQL
Vegetation
493 Vegetation does not overlap into perennial Waterbodies, Builtup Areas, Relief Areas etc. Full Population 5%
495 Windbreaks do not cross Roads or perennial Waterbodies Full Population 1%
497 Vegetation has been updated and captured in sufficient detail Sample Area 5%
499 Features that appear on the previous edition map appear on the new map where appropriate and as specified Sample Area 2%
501 All source materials have been used to ensure revision has been carried out and accuracy requirements have been met Sample 1%
503 Symbology is correct for all vegetation features Sample 1%
Boundaries
505 Boundaries are abutting Roads and other boundaries where appropriate Sample 5%
507 The State Border is labelled correctly on both sides Full Population 1%
509 The verge falls on the correct side of Reserve Area boundaries Sample 2%
511 Features that appear on the previous edition map appear on the new map where appropriate and as specified Sample Area 2%
513 All source materials have been used to ensure revision has been carried out and accuracy requirements have been met Sample 1%
515 Symbology for all Reserve Area boundaries are correct Sample 1%
517 Reserve Area lines are not symbolised where coincident with the Coastline Sample 5%
519 Reserve Area line symbology is correctly offset Sample 2%


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2.2.10 Screens / Patterns

A number of area features are represented by screens and/or patterns. Checks will be carried out against the appropriate specification.

TEST /
REPORT
CHECK TEST TYPE AQL
521 Area features made up of screens and/or patterns are correct eg. Forests, Rainforest, Parks, Mangroves, Orchards & Plantations etc. Sample 0%



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3.Submission of Data to Geoscience Australia

3.1 Material and Format

The following information, data and products will accompany the submission of a completed Work Unit to Geoscience Australia.

  • the Work Unit name *
  • the Work Unit number *
  • the relevant NTMS / Map Edition Number (where applicable)
  • the Technical Specification Version used
  • the Submission date
  • the Producer / Company name
  • the Producer / Company Contact name and number
  • the Submission Sequence status and number
  • a listing of the themes (or Feature Datasets) revised, as per the Project Instructions
  • one hard copy quality proof of the revised map product (where applicable)
  • Submission of data in one of the following formats, at the appropriate scale for the project;
  • TOPO-250K/TOPO-100K NTDB Enterprise Geodatabase (disconnected edit version)- GDA94 Geographic Coordinate system
  • TOPO-250K/TOPO-100K NTDB Personal Geodatabase - GDA94 Geographic Coordinate system
  • TOPO-250K/TOPO-100K Shape (.shp) files - GDA94 Geographic Coordinate system
  • supply of encapsulated postscript (.eps) files for generation of the map product
  • a scanning transformation RMS error report(s) for all newly scanned data (where applicable)
  • A completed delivery record, indicating all supplied allocation materials have been returned to Geoscience Australia (where applicable)
  • a listing of all Action Requests relevant to the Work Unit in production, in either hard copy or digital format, chronologically ordered on the Appendix J "Listing of Action Requests" form

* Note: the NTDB Work Unit number may not necessarily relate to numbers shown in the NTDB MapIndexes Feature Dataset, and may be designated according to non-standard geographical extents, in accordance with the Project File instruction. Work Units/Packages may be named on a regional area or thematic basis, and differ to those already existing in the MapIndex Feature Dataset.

A Validation and Testing (VAT) Submission Form (Attachment J) should be used when submitting these details. This VAT Submission Form, showing typical expected entries and listing the above requirements, can be found below under "5. Forms for VAT Submission."

After the Work Unit has passed Validation and Testing (VAT), all NTDB and map specific source material will be returned to Geoscience Australia.

3.2 Impact of Specification Changes

These Technical Specifications are subject to continuous improvement. Amendments made may impact on the map and/or the NTDB Geodatabase representation. Where such amendments occur, the changes must be implemented for Work Units allocated after the amendment comes into effect. In addition, amendments may be applied to Work Units allocated prior to the amendment dates, as it could be benefical to the producer to do so, but it is not required.

The Version number of the Specification used for production must be shown at the "Technical Specification Version" line of the VAT Submission form (Attachment J).

The procedure for suggesting changes or improvements to the Specification is described in Distribution and Suggestions for Change, at the front of this Specification.


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4. Post-production Validation and Testing

A brief description of the testing process conducted by Validation and Testing is outlined below.

4.1 Results of Tests and Resubmitting Failed Work Units

On completion of the VAT tests a summary test report is generated. The report lists the tests that have been failed, and any other errors which, by themselves, do not cause the Work Unit to fail. The details of each error are briefly described. When possible the PID (or approximate coordinate position) of each feature, or example features in error, is included. The report summarises whether the Work Unit passes or fails.

The VAT Report is comprised of three sections, and it is important that Producers understand the significance of each section in terms of the AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit) criteria. A brief description of each section is included below;

"FAILED TESTS"

Those tests for which data or map errors exceed the maximum allowable AQL percentage (%) error tolerance. For example, if the AQL for a particular test is 5%, an error percentage of 5.6% for that test would see it reported under this category.

"OTHER TEST ERRORS"

Those tests for which data or map errors exist, yet fall within the maximum allowable AQL percentage (%) error tolerance. These do not constitute a "FAIL" result for that particular test. For example, if the AQL for a particular test is 2%, an error percentage of 1.3% or 2% for that test would see it reported under this category.

"ADDITIONAL INFORMATION"

Information that has been supplied by Validation and Testing (VAT) for either the Producer and/or Geoscience Australia, and which does not constitute or count as an error on the part of the Producer. This section is intended to include such example information as - Advice on erroneous or conflicting source material, subsequent additional source information not originally supplied to the Producer, suggestions for improvement not allowed for in current versions of the Specifications etc. This section acknowledges that each of these situations is outside the control of the Producer, and is provided for information purposes only, and in this way differs significantly from the "FAILED TESTS" and "OTHER TEST ERRORS" sections described above.

The following document is a sample extract from a typical Validation and Testing VAT Report.

A Work Unit fails VAT when any of the AQL tolerances for any of the tests on any of the Feature Dataset/Feature Classes or products are exceeded. When a Work Unit fails VAT a copy of the above report is sent to the producer. Producers correcting data as a result of FAILED TESTS or OTHER TEST ERRORS should ensure that they make all corrections. VAT staff are forbidden from editing or correcting the data. The producer will correct the data. The producers should not only correct the errors listed in the summary report but search the untested parts of the data, correcting similar errors. It is possible that tests reported under the "OTHER TEST ERRORS" category may, on subsequent re-submission, be found to exceed the maximum tolerances and be recorded as "FAILED TESTS" on re-testing, due to sample densities or additional errors etc.

When they are satisfied that all errors are corrected, the producer will resubmit the Work Unit to Geoscience Australia's VAT cell. Re-submission follows the process outlined in Chapter 3 "Submission of Data to Geoscience Australia." Any corrections made as a result of VAT testing must render the NTDB data files and map (where applicable) consistent with each other where expected, and the hard copy map quality proof must be regenerated from that data prior to re-submission to VAT. Resubmitted data will be fully tested again, using a different sampling area. If the Work Unit fails again it will be returned to the producer for correction and subsequent re-submission.

When the data and associated products pass VAT, the summary report will be sent to the producer stating that the data and associated products have passed VAT.

5. Forms for VAT Submission

The following links will provide access to the VAT Submission and miscellaneous forms required for the submission of TOPO250K and TOPO100K NTDB products, in PDF format. These forms will be completed by producers and submitted to VAT with all the specified material. These forms are provided as templates only - it is permissable, and may be necessary, to expand these forms facilitate the inclusion of all the necessary details against the relevant sections.


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"VAT SUBMISSION" FORM

"LISTING OF ACTION REQUESTS" FORM


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