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

Skip to search results

Filter by

Subject
Required

Data Science(19)

Physical Science and Engineering(11)

Computer Science(8)

Business(5)

Language
Required

The language used throughout the course, in both instruction and assessments.

English(50)

French(29)

Spanish(29)

Arabic(26)

Learning Product
Required

Guided Projects(1)

Build job-relevant skills in under 2 hours with hands-on tutorials.

Courses(44)

Learn from top instructors with graded assignments, videos, and discussion forums.

Projects(1)

Learn a new tool or skill in an interactive, hands-on environment.

Specializations(7)

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject by completing a series of courses and projects.

Level
Required

Beginner(53)

Intermediate(37)

Advanced(9)

Mixed(7)

Duration
Required

Less Than 2 Hours(2)

1-4 Weeks(22)

1-3 Months(23)

3-6 Months(6)

Skills
Required

Geographic Information Systems(22)

Spatial Data Analysis(18)

Spatial Analysis(17)

Geospatial Mapping(16)

Subtitles
Required

English(50)

French(33)

Spanish(31)

Chinese (China)(28)

Educator
Required

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign(5)

University of Michigan(5)

University of Toronto(5)

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne(4)

Find the Best GIS Course for Your Goals

Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Generative AI for Data Science with Copilot
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Microsoft Copilot, OpenAI, Data Ethics, Prompt Engineering, Large Language Modeling, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Data Security, Data Synthesis, Information Privacy, Anomaly Detection, Data Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
25 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Graphic Design
Skills you'll gain: Graphic Design, Graphic and Visual Design, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Design, Visual Design, Typography, Adobe InDesign, Design Reviews, Adobe Photoshop, Design Elements And Principles, Peer Review, Color Theory, Editing, Creativity
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Lausanne
HEALTHY URBAN SYSTEMS - PART 1
Skills you'll gain: Health Policy, Health Equity, Geographic Information Systems, Public Health, Health Systems, Community Health, Spatial Analysis, Systems Thinking, Environmental Issue, Data Management, Artificial Intelligence
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Kennesaw State University
AI for Education (Basic)
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI Agents, Generative AI, Data Ethics, Education Software and Technology, ChatGPT, Artificial Intelligence, End User Training and Support, Natural Language Processing
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
11 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Vanderbilt University
Generative AI for Legal Services Primer
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Law Practice Management Software, Generative AI, Legal Writing, Legal Research, Data Ethics, Legal Support, ChatGPT, Artificial Intelligence, Emerging Technologies, Information Privacy
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
47 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Global Strategy I: How The Global Economy Works
Skills you'll gain: Intercultural Competence, International Relations, Business Strategy, World History, Business, Cultural Diversity, Political Sciences, Economics, Investments, Regulation and Legal Compliance
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
295 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Fractal Analytics
Generative AI Essentials: A Comprehensive Introduction
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, ChatGPT, Prompt Engineering, Interactive Learning, AI Personalization, Artificial Intelligence, Data Ethics, Automation
4
Rating, 4 out of 5 stars
32 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
KodeKloud
Git Basics for DevOps
Skills you'll gain: Version Control, Git (Version Control System), GitHub, Collaborative Software, DevOps, Software Development Tools, Linux, Open Source Technology
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
19 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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
Status: Free Trial
LearnKartS
Git Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Git (Version Control System), GitHub, Version Control, Software Configuration Management, Software Versioning, Software Development, File Management, Development Environment, Command-Line Interface, Authentications
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
10 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Northeastern University
Ethics and Governance in the Age of Generative AI
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Data Ethics, Data Governance, Governance, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Large Language Modeling, MLOps (Machine Learning Operations), Ethical Standards And Conduct, Emerging Technologies
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Searches related to gis

gis software

gis, mapping, and spatial analysis capstone

gis, mapping, and spatial analysis

gis mastery: spatial data, remote sensing, decision support

gis data acquisition and map design

gis data formats, design and quality

gis: geographic information systems for sustainability

gis applications across industries

1 2 3 4 5

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

Generative AI for Data Science with Copilot: Microsoft
Graphic Design: University of Colorado Boulder
HEALTHY URBAN SYSTEMS - PART 1: University of Lausanne
AI for Education (Basic): Kennesaw State University
Generative AI for Legal Services Primer: Vanderbilt University
Global Strategy I: How The Global Economy Works: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Generative AI Essentials: A Comprehensive Introduction: Fractal Analytics
Git Basics for DevOps: KodeKloud
Using Git for Distributed Development: The Linux Foundation
Manage Your Versions with Git (Part I): Coursera Project Network

GIS Courses