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
IBM
BI Dashboards with IBM Cognos Analytics and Google Looker
Skills you'll gain: IBM Cognos Analytics, Dashboard, Business Intelligence, Interactive Data Visualization, Data Presentation, Looker (Software), Data Visualization Software, Business Intelligence Software, Analytics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
29 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Yonsei University
Spatial Data Science and Applications
Skills you'll gain: Spatial Data Analysis, Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Mapping, Database Management Systems, Big Data, Apache Hadoop, Data Modeling, PostgreSQL, Network Analysis
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
520 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Leeds
Exploratory Data Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Cleansing, Statistical Modeling, Statistics, Data Analysis, Statistical Inference, R Programming, Descriptive Statistics, Box Plots, Data Visualization Software, Histogram, Probability, Simulations
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
9 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Instructor Network
GenAI for Everyone
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Data Ethics, ChatGPT, Artificial Intelligence, Ideation, Brainstorming, AI Personalization, Prompt Engineering, Workforce Development, Content Creation, Natural Language Processing
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
62 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Geneva
Ecosystem Services: a Method for Sustainable Development
Skills you'll gain: Geographic Information Systems, Environment, Natural Resource Management, Spatial Analysis, Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Socioeconomics, Sustainability Reporting, Economics, Governance, Stakeholder Engagement, Ethical Standards And Conduct
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
717 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Università di Napoli Federico II
Global Politics
Skills you'll gain: International Relations, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, World History, Governance, Cultural Diversity, Research Methodologies, Economics, Environment and Resource Management, Security Strategy
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
49 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Modeling Climate Anomalies with Statistical Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Matplotlib, Pandas (Python Package), Statistical Analysis, Data Science, Data Analysis, NumPy, Statistical Modeling, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Regression Analysis, Data Integration, Data Manipulation, Application Programming Interface (API)
Build toward a degree
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Generalized Linear Models and Nonparametric Regression
Skills you'll gain: Statistical Modeling, R Programming, Data Analysis, Data Ethics, Advanced Analytics, Statistical Methods, Regression Analysis, Machine Learning, Classification And Regression Tree (CART), Statistical Inference, Probability Distribution
Build toward a degree
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
20 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Packt
ArcGIS Desktop for Spatial Analysis: Go from Basic to Pro
Skills you'll gain: ArcGIS, Spatial Data Analysis, Spatial Analysis, GIS Software, Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Mapping, Data Presentation, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Mapping, Descriptive Statistics, Data Integration, Data Access
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Geographical Information Systems - Part 2
Skills you'll gain: Spatial Analysis, Spatial Data Analysis, GIS Software, Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Mapping, Geostatistics, Interactive Data Visualization, Data Integration, Data Mapping, Augmented Reality, Sampling (Statistics)
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Essential Epidemiologic Tools for Public Health Practice
Skills you'll gain: Epidemiology, Spatial Data Analysis, Public Health, Data Presentation, Geographic Information Systems, Biostatistics, Community Health, Health Policy, Risk Analysis, Data Collection
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Google
Decisions, Decisions: Dashboards and Reports
Skills you'll gain: Dashboard, Business Intelligence, Data Presentation, Data Visualization Software, Business Reporting, Scalability, Project Design, Stakeholder Communications, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Data Analysis, Performance Improvement, Presentations, Interviewing Skills
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months