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
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, Organizational Strategy, Economics, 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
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
42 reviews
Intermediate · 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
127 reviews
Intermediate · 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
18 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
KodeKloud
Git for beginners with Hands-on Labs
Skills you'll gain: Git (Version Control System), GitHub, Version Control, Collaborative Software, DevOps, Continuous Integration, File Management, Software Installation
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
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
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
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
585 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Stanford University
Probabilistic Graphical Models 2: Inference
Skills you'll gain: Bayesian Network, Bayesian Statistics, Statistical Inference, Markov Model, Graph Theory, Sampling (Statistics), Applied Machine Learning, Statistical Methods, Probability & Statistics, Algorithms, Probability Distribution, Machine Learning Algorithms, Computational Thinking
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
488 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
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
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
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

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

Global Strategy I: How The Global Economy Works: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Fundamentals of Data Analytics in the Public Sector with R: University of Michigan
Data Visualization in R with ggplot2: Johns Hopkins University
Git Basics for DevOps: KodeKloud
Git for beginners with Hands-on Labs: KodeKloud
Generative AI for Data Science with Copilot: Microsoft
Generative AI for Legal Services Primer: Vanderbilt University
Using Git for Distributed Development: The Linux Foundation
Probabilistic Graphical Models 2: Inference: Stanford University
Graphic Design: University of Colorado Boulder

GIS Courses