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 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 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: 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 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
Status: Preview
Coursera Instructor Network
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
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
17 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
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
7 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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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 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
104 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
ArcGIS for Beginners: Mapping Urban Green Spaces
Skills you'll gain: ArcGIS, Data Presentation, Spatial Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Information and Technology, Geospatial Mapping, Data Import/Export, Data Mapping, Data Manipulation, Data Management
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
10 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
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
621 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
L&T EduTech
Geospatial Techniques for Engineers
Skills you'll gain: Geospatial Information and Technology, Spatial Analysis, GIS Software, Spatial Data Analysis, Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Mapping, Database Management, Construction, Construction Management, ArcGIS, Architecture and Construction, Global Positioning Systems, Civil and Architectural Engineering, Decision Support Systems, Building Information Modeling, As-Built Drawings, Survey Creation, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Data Manipulation, Network Analysis
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
42 reviews
Advanced · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
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
95 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months