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

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Find the Best GIS Course for Your Goals

Status: Free Trial
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Database systems
Skills you'll gain: NoSQL, Data Warehousing, Database Systems, Relational Databases, Database Management, Extract, Transform, Load, SQL, Databases, Data Mining, Business Intelligence, Big Data, Information Systems, MySQL, Predictive Analytics, Database Design, MongoDB, Analytics, Scalability, Data Store, Unstructured Data
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
682 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Packt
ArcGIS Desktop for Spatial Analysis: Go from Basic to Pro
Skills you'll gain: ArcGIS, Spatial Data Analysis, Spatial Analysis, GIS Software, Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Mapping, Data Presentation, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Mapping, Descriptive Statistics, Data Integration, Data Access
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Coursera Instructor Network
GenAI for Everyone
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Data Ethics, ChatGPT, Artificial Intelligence, Ideation, Brainstorming, AI Personalization, Prompt Engineering, Workforce Development, Content Creation, Natural Language Processing
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
61 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Generalized Linear Models and Nonparametric Regression
Skills you'll gain: Statistical Modeling, R Programming, Data Analysis, Data Ethics, Advanced Analytics, Statistical Methods, Regression Analysis, Machine Learning, Classification And Regression Tree (CART), Statistical Inference, Probability Distribution
Build toward a degree
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
20 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Instructor Network
Generative AI for Data Visualization and Data Storytelling
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Data Storytelling, Data Visualization Software, Interactive Data Visualization, Data Presentation, Data Wrangling, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Real Time Data, Large Language Modeling, Prompt Engineering
3.9
Rating, 3.9 out of 5 stars
20 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Modeling Climate Anomalies with Statistical Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Matplotlib, Pandas (Python Package), Statistical Analysis, Data Science, Data Analysis, NumPy, Statistical Modeling, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Regression Analysis, Data Integration, Data Manipulation, Application Programming Interface (API)
Build toward a degree
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Essential Epidemiologic Tools for Public Health Practice
Skills you'll gain: Epidemiology, Spatial Data Analysis, Public Health, Data Presentation, Geographic Information Systems, Biostatistics, Community Health, Health Policy, Risk Analysis, Data Collection
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Geneva
Ecosystem Services: a Method for Sustainable Development
Skills you'll gain: Geographic Information Systems, Environment, Natural Resource Management, Spatial Analysis, Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Socioeconomics, Sustainability Reporting, Economics, Governance, Stakeholder Engagement, Ethical Standards And Conduct
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
716 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
SAS
Using Data for Geographic Mapping and Forecasting in SAS Visual Analytics
Skills you'll gain: SAS (Software), Forecasting, Spatial Data Analysis, Data Visualization Software, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Predictive Analytics, Geospatial Mapping, Data Analysis, Geographic Information Systems, Data Manipulation, Data Transformation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
223 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Managing, Describing, and Analyzing Data
Skills you'll gain: Statistical Inference, Probability Distribution, Statistical Analysis, Descriptive Statistics, Sampling (Statistics), Statistics, Probability & Statistics, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, R Programming, Data Analysis, Data Literacy, Probability, Statistical Visualization, Histogram
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
33 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Packt
Satellite Remote Sensing Data Bootcamp With Opensource Tools
Skills you'll gain: Geospatial Information and Technology, Geospatial Mapping, Spatial Data Analysis, Applied Machine Learning, Geographic Information Systems, GIS Software, Environmental Monitoring, Unsupervised Learning, Data Analysis Software, Image Analysis, Machine Learning, R Programming, Data Processing, Open Source Technology, Data Transformation, Dimensionality Reduction
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Google
Decisions, Decisions: Dashboards and Reports
Skills you'll gain: Dashboard, Business Intelligence, Data Presentation, Data Visualization Software, Business Reporting, Scalability, Project Design, Stakeholder Communications, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Data Analysis, Performance Improvement, Presentations, Interviewing Skills
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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In summary, here are 10 of our most popular gis courses

Database systems: Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
ArcGIS Desktop for Spatial Analysis: Go from Basic to Pro: Packt
GenAI for Everyone: Coursera Instructor Network
Generalized Linear Models and Nonparametric Regression: University of Colorado Boulder
Generative AI for Data Visualization and Data Storytelling: Coursera Instructor Network
Modeling Climate Anomalies with Statistical Analysis: University of Colorado Boulder
Essential Epidemiologic Tools for Public Health Practice: Johns Hopkins University
Ecosystem Services: a Method for Sustainable Development: University of Geneva
Using Data for Geographic Mapping and Forecasting in SAS Visual Analytics: SAS
Managing, Describing, and Analyzing Data: University of Colorado Boulder

GIS Courses