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, Geospatial Mapping, Geographic Information Systems, Data Sharing, Spatial Analysis, Data Access, Metadata Management, Data Mapping, Data Import/Export, Data Manipulation, Data Visualization, Data Analysis, Data Quality
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
5.8K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Toronto
GIS, Mapping, and Spatial Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Spatial Analysis, Geographic Information Systems, ArcGIS, Geospatial Information and Technology, Spatial Data Analysis, GIS Software, Geospatial Mapping, Data Visualization, Data Mapping, Typography, Interactive Data Visualization, Query Languages, Data Synthesis, Data Compilation, Data Processing, Quantitative Research, Design, Data Manipulation, Data Literacy, 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
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Skills you'll gain: ArcGIS, GIS Software, Data Storytelling, Land Management, Spatial Analysis, Database Design, Data Presentation, Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Mapping, Spatial Data Analysis, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Data Sharing, Relational Databases, Community Health, Public Health, 3D Modeling, Data Visualization Software, Data Quality, Data Management, Emergency Response
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6.3K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Toronto
Introduction to GIS Mapping
Skills you'll gain: ArcGIS, Geospatial Information and Technology, Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Mapping, GIS Software, Spatial Analysis, Data Mapping
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
Coursera Instructor Network
GIS Mastery: Spatial Data, Remote Sensing, Decision Support
Skills you'll gain: Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Information and Technology, GIS Software, Spatial Data Analysis, Global Positioning Systems, Environmental Monitoring, Spatial Analysis, Land Management, Data Analysis
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
17 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
GIS: Geographic Information Systems for Sustainability
Skills you'll gain: GIS Software, Geographic Information Systems, Spatial Data Analysis, Spatial Analysis, Environmental Monitoring, Geospatial Information and Technology, Geospatial Mapping, Data Visualization, Trend Analysis, Data Storytelling, Data Presentation, Forecasting
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
6 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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Status: Free Trial
University of California, Davis
GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality
Skills you'll gain: Database Design, Spatial Analysis, ArcGIS, Geographic Information Systems, Relational Databases, Geospatial Mapping, Data Sharing, Data Quality, Data Management, Data Storage, Data Modeling, Data Manipulation, Query Languages, Analytics
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.1K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
L&T EduTech
Mastering Geospatial Analysis with QGIS
Skills you'll gain: GIS Software, Spatial Data Analysis, Spatial Analysis, Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Mapping, Building Information Modeling, Image Analysis, Network Analysis, Data Mapping, Data Import/Export, Unsupervised Learning, Software Installation, User Interface (UI), Supervised Learning
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
25 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Davis
Geospatial Analysis with ArcGIS
Skills you'll gain: ArcGIS, Data Storytelling, Spatial Analysis, Data Presentation, Geospatial Mapping, Geographic Information Systems, Data Visualization Software, Data Mapping, Network Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Data Transformation
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
103 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
L&T EduTech
Geospatial Techniques for Engineers
Skills you'll gain: Geospatial Information and Technology, Spatial Analysis, GIS Software, Spatial Data Analysis, Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Mapping, Database Management, Relational Databases, Construction, Construction Management, Building Information Modeling, Global Positioning Systems, Open Source Technology, Data Mapping, Image Analysis, Civil Engineering, Network Analysis, Survey Creation, Web Applications, SQL
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
41 reviews
Advanced · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Toronto
GIS Data Acquisition and Map Design
Skills you'll gain: Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Mapping, Data Visualization, Data Mapping, Typography, Spatial Data Analysis, Quantitative Research, Design, Data Literacy, Spatial Analysis, Metadata Management, Design Elements And Principles, Data Manipulation
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
710 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, Spatial Data Analysis, GIS Software, Spatial Analysis, Query Languages, Image Analysis, Data Integration, Data Manipulation, Data Processing
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
619 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months