GIS Courses to Study GIS and Spatial Analysis
Interested in learning about Geographic Information Systems (GIS)? Here are some great GIS courses and certificate programs to get you started!
If you’re looking to break into the geospatial field, one of the easiest ways is by taking an online GIS course.
With a little bit of time and dedication, these GIS courses can give you some solid foundational knowledge that will help land your dream job or impress potential employers if they are already in geospatial technology themselves.
The best part about it? These courses will give you a strong foundation in GIS concepts and theory. Once you have completed these courses, you’ll be able to apply GIS techniques to your own projects.
1. Professional Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Essentials
Do you want to learn about GIS? Do you want to be able to build maps, store and share data, and analyze geographical information? If so, this professional certificate contains three courses geared towards the fundamentals of GIS.
With Esri ArcGIS Pro at your fingertips, you’ll be able to explore the world of spatial analysis, cartography, and 3D. For example, you will learn how to build story maps and perform image classification.
Through the Professional Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Essentials, you will be able to define the main principles of a Geographic Information System. Put your spatial skills to the test and become proficient in the industry-standard software, Esri ArcGIS Pro.
| Instructor | University of Alaska |
| Duration | 3 months (3 – 5 hours per week) |
| Certification | Professional Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Essentials |
| Courses | 3 skill-building courses |
| Skills | ArcGIS Pro, Spatial Analysis, 3D, ArcGIS Story Maps, Image Classification, Watershed Delineation |
2. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialization
Are you looking to use GIS software in a professional setting? Do you want to learn how to analyze your spatial data and create beautiful maps? Then this Specialization is for you. In partnership with ArcGIS developer Esri, the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialization course teaches you the fundamentals of GIS.
You will learn how to communicate your findings through effective cartography and collaborate with peers in GIS and other related fields. Additionally, this course teaches spatial analysis techniques to create a professional-quality portfolio piece.
You’ll identify and collect data, creating maps that are both informative and visually appealing. So whether you’re looking to enter the world of GIS or just want to brush up on your skills, this GIS Specialization is perfect for you.
| Instructor | UC Davis |
| Duration | 6 months (7 hours per week) |
| Certification | Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialization |
| Level | Beginner |
| Skills | Esri ArcGIS, Cartography, Editing, 3D, ModelBuilder, NDVI, Image Classification, Geocoding, Spatial Statistics, Suitability Analysis |
3. GIS, Mapping, and Spatial Analysis Specialization
Do you want to learn fundamental GIS concepts and how to make great maps? Using cutting-edge ArcGIS software created by Esri, you will learn the concepts, tools, and techniques to become a master GIS practitioner.
Whether you are new to mapping and GIS or looking to gain a better understanding of how it all works, this specialization will give you the skills you need for everything including GIS, mapping, and spatial analysis.
Finally, you wrap the GIS, Mapping, and Spatial Analysis Specialization course up with your own capstone project, involving creating a public web-based story map.
| Instructor | University of Toronto |
| Duration | 6 months (2 hours per week) |
| Certification | GIS, Mapping, and Spatial Analysis Specialization |
| Level | Beginner |
| Skills | Esri ArcGIS (Not Provided), Cartography, Spatial Analysis, Esri Story Maps |
4. Maps and the Geospatial Revolution
Are you curious about how geographic information systems (GIS) have changed the world? Do you want to learn how to make your own maps and analyze data? If so, the Maps and Geospatial Revolution course is perfect for you.
In this online course, you’ll explore how advances in geospatial technology and analytical methods have revolutionized the way we do everything. You’ll also learn how to use the latest tools to create interactive web maps and harness the power of location-based services.
Also, it introduces you to several core concepts in GIS. For example, you learn about cartography, spatial analysis, and thinking geospatially. You will learn with real-world examples and GIS concepts and applications.
| Instructor | PennState |
| Duration | 20 hours |
| Certification | Maps and the Geospatial Revolution |
| Level | Beginner |
| Skills | Cartography and Spatial Thinking |
5. Spatial Data Science and Applications
Do you want to be a data scientist with an edge? This course will teach you everything you need to know about spatial data science – what it is, how to work with it, and the benefits this field can offer your career.
You’ll learn how to use open-source software to get the most out of spatial data and discover ways this information can help you make smarter decisions in business and life.
So if you’re looking for a way to set yourself apart from the competition, the Spatial Data Science and Applications course will teach you everything you need to know about spatial data science – and equip you with the skills to stand out from the competition.
| Instructor | Yonsei University |
| Duration | 12 hours |
| Certification | Spatial Data Science and Applications |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Skills | QGIS, PostgreSQL, PostGIS, R, and Hadoop, DBMS, Data Analytics, and Big Data Systems |
GIS Courses to Learn Geographic Information Systems
GIS courses can quickly give you the basics you need to impress future employers and land that dream job. Plus, they’re a great way to beef up your resume even if you’re not planning on a career in GIS.
If you’re looking for a new job or want to grow your skill set, learning GIS might be the answer. You’ll learn how to make well-designed maps and the principles of spatial analysis.
Online courses allow you the convenience of studying at home while still getting quality instruction from experts who know exactly what’s needed for these demanding jobs.
And while we can’t guarantee that taking an introductory course will get you hired tomorrow, it’s worth exploring and can be beneficial for both your current company and future endeavors.
