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
The Linux Foundation
Using Git for Distributed Development
Skills you'll gain: Git (Version Control System), Version Control, Open Source Technology, Software Development Tools, Software Versioning, Code Review, Linux
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
586 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Project Network
Manage Your Versions with Git (Part I)
Skills you'll gain: Git (Version Control System), Version Control, Software Versioning, Software Development Tools, Software Configuration Management
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
102 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Coursera Project Network
Fundamentals of Database Systems
Skills you'll gain: Information Systems, Database Software, Database Systems, Database Design, Information Management, Databases, Relational Databases, Database Management, Data Management
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
27 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
Rice University
Introduction to Archaeology : Archaeology as Science
Skills you'll gain: Scientific Methods, Anthropology, Social Sciences, Environmental Science, Research, Laboratory Research, Ancient History, General Science and Research, Investigation, Culture, Geographic Information Systems, Environment, Spatial Analysis, Data Collection, Geospatial Information and Technology
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Building Data Visualization Tools
Skills you'll gain: Ggplot2, Data Visualization Software, Datamaps, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Interactive Data Visualization, Scatter Plots, Histogram, Graphic and Visual Design, R Programming, Geographic Information Systems, Software Development
3.9
Rating, 3.9 out of 5 stars
158 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Exploratory Data Analysis for the Public Sector with ggplot
Skills you'll gain: Exploratory Data Analysis, Plot (Graphics), Data Presentation, Ggplot2, Statistical Visualization, R Programming, Data Visualization Software, Data Analysis, Scatter Plots, Graphic and Visual Design, Histogram, Tidyverse (R Package), Public Administration, Trend Analysis, Policy Analysis
5
Rating, 5 out of 5 stars
11 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Fundamentals of Data Analytics in the Public Sector with R
Skills you'll gain: Data Visualization, Surveys, Tidyverse (R Package), Data Analysis, Demography, Public Administration, Public Policies, R Programming, Statistical Programming, Data Transformation, Data Cleansing, Data Manipulation
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
43 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Northeastern University
Healthcare Information Design and Visualizations
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Visualization Software, Data Presentation, Interactive Data Visualization, Tableau Software, Infographics, Dashboard, Data Analysis, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Ethics, Trend Analysis, Peer Review
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Inferential and Predictive Statistics for Business
Skills you'll gain: Statistical Inference, Business Analytics, Analytics, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Regression Analysis, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Business Mathematics, Statistical Methods, Probability & Statistics, Statistical Modeling, Predictive Analytics, Microsoft Excel
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
863 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Resampling, Selection and Splines
Skills you'll gain: Data Science, R Programming, Statistical Machine Learning, Advanced Analytics, Dimensionality Reduction, Statistical Modeling, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Methods, Sampling (Statistics), Regression Analysis, Statistical Inference
5
Rating, 5 out of 5 stars
8 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Pennsylvania
Global Trends for Business and Society
Skills you'll gain: Demography, Market Trend, Trend Analysis, International Relations, Socioeconomics, Social Sciences, Systems Thinking, Cultural Diversity, Financial Systems, World History, Economics, Business Economics, Governance
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
919 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Visualizing Data in the Tidyverse
Skills you'll gain: Ggplot2, Plot (Graphics), Statistical Visualization, Data Visualization Software, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Presentation, Data Storytelling, Scatter Plots, Tidyverse (R Package), R Programming, Histogram, Animations, Data Manipulation
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
20 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months