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.

Best GIS Courses & Certificates Online [2025]

Find the Best GIS Course for Your Goals

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, Typography, Data Manipulation, Data Processing, Data Storytelling, Design Elements And Principles, Image Analysis, Data Import/Export
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Davis
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Skills you'll gain: ArcGIS, GIS Software, Spatial Analysis, Data Storytelling, Spatial Data Analysis, Geographic Information Systems, Data Presentation, Data Sharing, Geospatial Mapping, Public Health, Land Management, Heat Maps, Metadata Management, Community Health, Data Mapping, Data Visualization Software, Data Quality, File Management, Network Analysis, Data Modeling
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6.3K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Case Western Reserve University
Practical Geospatial Geostatistical Modeling
Skills you'll gain: Exploratory Data Analysis, Spatial Data Analysis, Spatial Analysis, Geospatial Mapping, Geospatial Information and Technology, Descriptive Statistics, Statistical Modeling, R Programming, Statistical Analysis, Probability & Statistics, Regression Analysis, Correlation Analysis, Data Validation, Data Analysis, Simulations, Statistical Methods, Rmarkdown, Data Cleansing, Box Plots, Plot (Graphics)
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Case Western Reserve University
Using R for Geostatistical Geospatial Modeling
Skills you'll gain: Geostatistics, Exploratory Data Analysis, Spatial Analysis, Spatial Data Analysis, Descriptive Statistics, Box Plots, Statistical Modeling, Geospatial Information and Technology, R Programming, Plot (Graphics), Rmarkdown, Data Analysis, Data Cleansing, Statistical Methods, Simulations
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Davis
Fundamentals of GIS
Skills you'll gain: ArcGIS, GIS Software, Data Sharing, Spatial Analysis, Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Mapping, Metadata Management, Data Quality, Data Mapping, File Management, Data Analysis, Data Visualization, 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
Introduction to GIS Mapping
Skills you'll gain: ArcGIS, Spatial Data Analysis, Geographic Information Systems, Spatial Analysis, Geospatial Mapping, Data Mapping, Global Positioning Systems, Data Capture
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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GIS Mastery: Spatial Data, Remote Sensing, Decision Support
Skills you'll gain: Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Information and Technology, Geospatial Mapping, Spatial Data Analysis, Spatial Analysis, Global Positioning Systems, Data Analysis
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
16 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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, Data Visualization, Forecasting, Trend Analysis
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Davis
GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality
Skills you'll gain: Spatial Analysis, ArcGIS, Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Mapping, Data Quality, Data Mapping, Data Modeling, Data Management, Data Storage, Data Sharing, Data Manipulation, Relational Databases, Query Languages, Analytics
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.1K reviews
Intermediate · 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
312 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, Spatial Analysis, Typography, Data Manipulation, Design Elements And Principles, Data Import/Export, File Management
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
710 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Davis
Geospatial Analysis with ArcGIS
Skills you'll gain: ArcGIS, Data Storytelling, Spatial Data Analysis, Data Presentation, Geographic Information Systems, Spatial Analysis, Geospatial Mapping, Heat Maps, Data Visualization Software, Network Analysis, Data Manipulation
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
100 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks