Why is it important for me to learn about cartography?

It's important to learn about cartography if you want to be able to incorporate maps into software programs or if you want to know more about the world's geography. Cartography is the art and science of drawing maps, and it is a fundamental of geographic information systems (GIS), including those that use the global positioning system (GPS). When you learn cartography, you will be able to include information about places in your work, whether through geo-visualization, map design, or data journalism. Cartography can help you add more information to analysis to include mapping, helping you and your organization make better decisions.

What are some career opportunities that arise from learning cartography?

Career opportunities that arise from learning cartography are varied: Some are in mapping and map design, while others are in data analysis that uses satellite imagery and other geo-visualization. Many people learn cartography because they are interested in the role of place in history, politics, and society. Adding spatial analysis to their work can give them richer perspectives. Many computer programmers are interested in the fundamentals of GIS so that they can incorporate it into data acquisition and location-based services. It is also useful to understand the power and limitations of cartography if you will be using reports and making decisions based on it.

How can online courses on Coursera help me learn cartography?

Online courses on Coursera can help you learn cartography in several languages and platforms, including Python, Kumu, and GeoDa. Some courses cover it from a programming perspective, while others look at the uses in spatial analysis, mapping, and geo-visualization. Cartography is also part of courses in history and society. Courses are offered at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. They include lectures, readings, and projects so that you can apply what you learn. There are also Guided Projects so that you can demonstrate and apply the knowledge that you already have. Some courses stand alone, and others are part of Specializations and Professional Certificates.

What are the benefits of taking an online Cartography course?

Online Cartography courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your existing knowledge or learn new Cartography skills. With a wide range of Cartography classes, you can conveniently learn at your own pace to advance your Cartography career skills.

What Cartography courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Cartography, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Best Cartography Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the Cartography Course Catalog

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 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 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 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
École normale supérieure
Cartographie thématique
Skills you'll gain: Data Visualization, Geospatial Mapping, Data Mapping, Graphic and Visual Design, Geographic Information Systems, Data Presentation, Graphics Software, Quantitative Research, Color Theory
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
82 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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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
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Data Visualization in R with ggplot2
Skills you'll gain: Ggplot2, Scatter Plots, Plot (Graphics), Data Visualization, Data Visualization Software, Heat Maps, R Programming, Graphical Tools, Data Wrangling, Tidyverse (R Package), Graphics Software
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
129 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
Universitat de Barcelona
Oceanography: a key to better understand our world
Skills you'll gain: Global Positioning Systems, Physical Science, Water Resources, Water Quality, Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Information and Technology, Chemistry, Environment, Environmental Science, Mechanics, Biology, Systems Of Measurement, Climate Change Mitigation, Remote Access Systems
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
284 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
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
Coursera Project Network
Overview of Data Visualization
Skills you'll gain: Data Visualization, Data Literacy, Data Presentation, Google Sheets, Data Compilation, Data Visualization Software, Graphing, Spreadsheet Software
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
425 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Preview
Politecnico di Milano
Archaeoastronomy
Skills you'll gain: Ancient History, Architectural Design, Civil and Architectural Engineering, Social Studies, Architecture and Construction, World History, Physical Science, Cultural Diversity
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months