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
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Skills you'll gain: ArcGIS, GIS Software, Spatial Data Analysis, Spatial Analysis, Data Storytelling, Geographic Information Systems, Data Presentation, Data Sharing, Geospatial Mapping, Public Health, Land Management, Heat Maps, Metadata Management, Data Quality, Community Health, Data Mapping, Data Visualization Software, File Management, Network Analysis, Data Modeling
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6.3K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Davis
Fundamentals of GIS
Skills you'll gain: ArcGIS, GIS Software, Spatial Data Analysis, Data Sharing, Spatial Analysis, Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Mapping, Metadata Management, Data Quality, Data Mapping, File Management, Data Presentation
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: ArcGIS, Spatial Data Analysis, Spatial Analysis, Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Mapping, GIS Software, Data Mapping, Data Visualization, Metadata Management, Query Languages, Global Positioning Systems, Quantitative Research, Data Compilation, Data Modeling, Typography, Data Manipulation, Data Processing, Data Storytelling, Design Elements And Principles, Image Analysis
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Toronto
Introduction to GIS Mapping
Skills you'll gain: ArcGIS, Spatial Data Analysis, Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Mapping, Data Mapping, Global Positioning Systems, Data Modeling, Data Capture
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
GIS: Geographic Information Systems for Sustainability
Skills you'll gain: Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Mapping, Spatial Data Analysis, Datamaps, Spatial Analysis, Data Storytelling, Environmental Monitoring, Heat Maps, Forecasting, Trend Analysis
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Geographical Information Systems - Part 1
Skills you'll gain: Geographic Information Systems, GIS Software, Spatial Data Analysis, Spatial Analysis, NoSQL, Data Modeling, Global Positioning Systems, Databases, SQL, Data Storage, Relational Databases
3.5
Rating, 3.5 out of 5 stars
94 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Generative AI: Introduction and Applications
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, ChatGPT, OpenAI, Prompt Engineering, Large Language Modeling, Artificial Intelligence, Program Development, Content Creation, Image Analysis, Virtual Environment
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2.6K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Toronto
GIS, Mapping, and Spatial Analysis Capstone
Skills you'll gain: Spatial Analysis, Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Mapping, ArcGIS, Data Visualization, Data Compilation, Data Mapping, Data Storytelling, Metadata Management, Data Integration, Data Management
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
311 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Toronto
GIS Data Acquisition and Map Design
Skills you'll gain: Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Mapping, Data Mapping, Spatial Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Metadata Management, Quantitative Research, Typography, Data Manipulation, Data Modeling, Design Elements And Principles
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
706 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, GIS Software, Spatial Analysis, Spatial Data Analysis, Geospatial Mapping, Query Languages, Data Processing, Data Manipulation, Image Analysis, Data Integration
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
613 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Survey Data Collection and Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Sampling (Statistics), Sample Size Determination, Surveys, Survey Creation, Research Methodologies, Data Collection, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Software, Interviewing Skills, Data Integration, Data Ethics, Research Design, Stata, R Programming, Data Quality, Statistical Modeling, Qualitative Research, Descriptive Statistics, Statistical Programming, Data Cleansing
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Google
Introduction to Git and GitHub
Skills you'll gain: Git (Version Control System), GitHub, Version Control, Continuous Integration, Software Versioning, Software Development Tools, Code Review, Software Engineering Tools, Issue Tracking, Command-Line Interface, Debugging
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
7.8K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks