What are the best GIS courses on Coursera?

Top courses include Fundamentals of GIS from the University of California, Davis , and GIS, Mapping, and Spatial Analysis from the University of Toronto . These programs cover the basics of GIS, spatial data analysis, and real-world applications in fields like urban planning and environmental management.

Can I learn GIS for free on Coursera?

Yes. Many GIS courses offer a free audit option, which allows learners to access video lessons and reading materials at no cost. To complete assignments or earn a certificate, you’ll need to upgrade or apply for financial aid.

What will I learn in a GIS course?

You’ll learn how to collect and analyze spatial data, create maps using GIS software like ArcGIS or QGIS, and apply GIS skills to solve real-world problems. Topics may include cartography , spatial databases, and remote sensing.

Do I need a technical background to start learning GIS?

Not necessarily. Many beginner-level GIS courses on Coursera assume no prior experience and walk you through foundational concepts. If you’re already familiar with data analysis or mapping, more advanced courses can help you deepen your skills.

Can Coursera’s GIS courses help me in my career?

Yes. GIS skills are in demand across industries like urban planning , environmental science , logistics , and public health . Coursera’s GIS courses can help you build job-ready skills, create a professional portfolio, and earn certificates that show your expertise.

Top Gis Courses - Learn Gis Online

Find the Best GIS Course for Your Goals

Status: Free Trial
University of California, Davis
Fundamentals of GIS
Skills you'll gain: ArcGIS, GIS Software, Geographic Information Systems, Spatial Analysis, Data Sharing, Geospatial Mapping, Metadata Management, Data Analysis, Data Mapping, Data Quality, Data Visualization, File Management
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
5.8K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Davis
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Skills you'll gain: ArcGIS, GIS Software, Spatial Analysis, Data Storytelling, Spatial Data Analysis, Geographic Information Systems, Data Presentation, Geospatial Mapping, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Public Health, Land Management, Geospatial Information and Technology, Heat Maps, Data Sharing, Epidemiology, Community Health, Metadata Management, Data Visualization Software, Data Quality, Network Analysis
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6.4K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Toronto
GIS, Mapping, and Spatial Analysis
Skills you'll gain: ArcGIS, Spatial Data Analysis, Spatial Analysis, Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Mapping, GIS Software, Data Mapping, Geospatial Information and Technology, Data Visualization, Metadata Management, Query Languages, Global Positioning Systems, Quantitative Research, Data Compilation, Typography, Data Manipulation, Data Storytelling, Data Modeling, Design Elements And Principles, Image Analysis
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Toronto
Introduction to GIS Mapping
Skills you'll gain: ArcGIS, Spatial Data Analysis, Geographic Information Systems, Spatial Analysis, Geospatial Mapping, Data Mapping, Global Positioning Systems, Data Capture
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
GIS: Geographic Information Systems for Sustainability
Skills you'll gain: Sustainable Development, Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Mapping, Sustainability Reporting, Spatial Data Analysis, Sustainable Business, Spatial Analysis, Data Storytelling, Environmental Monitoring, Data Visualization, Stakeholder Engagement, Trend Analysis, Decision Making
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
8 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Geographical Information Systems - Part 1
Skills you'll gain: Geographic Information Systems, GIS Software, Spatial Data Analysis, NoSQL, Data Modeling, Database Design, Databases, Data Storage Technologies, SQL, Data Storage, Data Capture, Query Languages, Relational Databases
3.6
Rating, 3.6 out of 5 stars
96 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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Status: Free Trial
IBM
Generative AI: Introduction and Applications
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, ChatGPT, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Responsible AI, Machine Learning, Virtual Environment
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
3.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Toronto
GIS Data Acquisition and Map Design
Skills you'll gain: Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Mapping, Data Mapping, Spatial Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Metadata Management, Quantitative Research, Spatial Analysis, Typography, Data Manipulation, Data Modeling, Design Elements And Principles
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
712 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Google Cloud
Getting Started with BigQuery GIS for Data Analysts
Skills you'll gain: Spatial Data Analysis, Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Information and Technology, Geospatial Mapping, Data Analysis, Big Data, Data Visualization, Analytics, Google Cloud Platform, Network Analysis, Cloud Management, Data Access, Query Languages
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
16 reviews
Beginner · Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
University of Toronto
GIS, Mapping, and Spatial Analysis Capstone
Skills you'll gain: Spatial Analysis, Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Mapping, ArcGIS, Data Visualization, Data Compilation, Data Mapping, Data Storytelling, Metadata Management, Data Integration, Data Management
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
315 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Toronto
Spatial Analysis and Satellite Imagery in a GIS
Skills you'll gain: Geographic Information Systems, GIS Software, Spatial Analysis, Spatial Data Analysis, Geospatial Information and Technology, Geospatial Mapping, Query Languages, Data Manipulation, Image Analysis
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
622 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Google
Introduction to Git and GitHub
Skills you'll gain: Git (Version Control System), GitHub, Version Control, Continuous Integration, Software Versioning, Collaborative Software, Software Development Tools, Code Review, Issue Tracking, Command-Line Interface
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
7.9K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks