Geographical Information Systems - Part 1 from Coursera

This course is organized into two parts presenting the theoretical and practical foundations of geographic information systems (GIS).

- Together theses courses constitute an introduction to GIS and require no prior knowledge.

- By following this introduction to GIS you will quickly acquire the basic knowledge required to create spatial databases and produce high-quality maps and cartographic representations.

- This is a practical course and is based on free, open-source software, including QGIS.

If you study or work in the fields of land management or the analysis of geographically distributed objects such as land use planning, biology, public health, ecology, or energy, then this course is for you!

In this first part of the course, we will focus on the digitization and the storage of geodata. In particular, you will learn:

- To characterize spatial objects and/or phenomena (territory modeling) with respect to their position in space (through coordinate systems, projections, and spatial relationships) and according to their intrinsic nature (object/vector mode vs. Image/raster mode);

- About the different means used to acquire spatial data; including direct measurement, georeferencing images, digitization, existing data source, etc.);

- About the different ways in which geodata can be stored - notably, files and relational databases;

- How to use data modeling tools to describe and create a spatial database;

- To query and analyze data using SQL, a common data manipulation language.

The second part of this course will focus on methods of spatial analysis and geodata representation. In this section, you will learn:

- How to describe and quantify the spatial properties of discrete variables, for example through spatial autocorrelation;

- To work with continuous variables. In particular, we will look at sampling strategies, how to construct contour lines and isovalue curves, and we will explore different interpolation methods;

- To use digital elevation models and create their derivative products (i.e. slope, orientation);

- How to evaluate the interaction between different types of geodata through overlay and interaction techniques;

- How to create effective maps based around the rules of graphic semiology;

- Finally, we will also explore other, increasingly common, forms of spatial representation such as interactive web-mapping and 3D representations.

You can find an interactive forum for course participants on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/moocsig

What's inside

Syllabus

Digitization – Territorial Modeling: Spatial elements and the characteristics

This first week deals with the first step in digitizing terrain, namely territorial modeling. In this week, we will consider factors such as the scale and theme of interest in order to determine which objects or spatial phenomena should included in the model, and we will also see how the geographic positioning and intrinsic nature (e.g. raster or vector) of these elements factors into how they are characterized in a terrain model.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores geographic information systems, which is a core concept in land management fields

Examines geodata representation, a highly relevant topic in data science

Teaches core concepts in GIS, which could help you develop your career

Taught by Stéphane Joost, Fernand Koffi Kouamé, Amadou Sall, and Marc Soutter, who are recognized for their work in GIS

Teaches spatial analysis methods, a critical skill for data scientists

Builds a foundation in GIS, which is useful for personal growth

Reviews summary

Introduction to gis with qgis

According to learners, this course offers a solid foundation in Geographical Information Systems (GIS), particularly focusing on the initial steps of geodata digitization and storage using the open-source QGIS software. Many found the content to be well-structured and accessible, making it suitable for those with no prior GIS knowledge. The focus on practical applications and exercises using QGIS was widely appreciated as a major strength. While the course is generally well-received, a few found some concepts or technical setups occasionally challenging, suggesting it requires dedicated effort and practice. The use of SQL for data management is also covered.

Introduces SQL for managing spatial databases.

"The section on using SQL for spatial data was a valuable addition."

"I learned how to query spatial databases using SQL."

"The introduction to SQL was useful for understanding data management in GIS."

"Good overview of how SQL integrates with spatial data."

Lectures explain complex topics effectively.

"The lectures were well-structured and the instructors explained difficult topics clearly."

"I appreciated how the concepts were broken down into understandable parts."

"Excellent explanations of spatial relationships and coordinate systems."

"The instructors made the sometimes complex ideas accessible."

Assignments reinforce learning through hands-on work.

"The exercises were practical and helped solidify what I learned in the lectures."

"Doing the labs in QGIS made the concepts click."

"Good balance of theory and practical application through the assignments."

"I found the hands-on tasks crucial for understanding."

Accessible even without previous GIS experience.

"As someone completely new to GIS, I found this course manageable and informative."

"No prior knowledge is truly required; they start from scratch."

"The pace is suitable for beginners, explaining concepts clearly from the ground up."

"I had zero GIS background and was able to follow along well."

Focuses on practical application using open-source software.

"Loved that it used QGIS, an excellent free and open-source software."

"The practical exercises in QGIS were very helpful for applying the concepts."

"Learning with QGIS was a big plus for me, as I didn't want to buy proprietary software."

"The QGIS demos clearly illustrated the theoretical points."

Provides a comprehensive introduction to core GIS concepts.

"This course is a really good introduction to GIS."

"I think this course provides a solid foundation in the basics of GIS."

"It gave me a good understanding of the fundamental concepts like data types and coordinate systems."

"Excellent fundamental course to understand what GIS is and how to work with spatial data."

May require extra effort to grasp fully.

"While it's for beginners, some parts still required significant effort and review."

"Need to pause and re-watch lectures sometimes to fully grasp complex ideas."

"Not a walk in the park, requires dedication to complete the assignments."

"Some of the technical aspects needed extra practice outside the course materials."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Geographical Information Systems - Part 1 with these activities:

Review basic data structures and algorithms in programming

Show steps

Refresh your knowledge of basic data structures and algorithms to strengthen your programming skills and enhance your understanding of GIS concepts.

Browse courses on Data Structures

Show steps

Review online resources or textbooks on data structures and algorithms.
Practice implementing these structures and algorithms in a programming language.
Solve coding problems using the appropriate data structures and algorithms.

Form study groups and engage in peer discussions

Show steps

Enhance your learning experience by joining or forming study groups to discuss course materials, share insights, and support each other's progress.

Show steps

Find or create a study group with other learners.
Set regular meeting times and define group goals.
Prepare for each session by reviewing course materials and identifying questions or areas for discussion.
Participate actively in discussions, sharing your perspectives and insights.

Explore ArcGIS Online tutorials

Show steps

Expand your GIS skills by exploring ArcGIS Online tutorials, providing practical experience and reinforcing concepts covered in the course.

Show steps

Identify relevant tutorials based on course topics.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step, practicing geospatial operations.
Apply the learned techniques to create your own maps and data visualizations.
Share your findings and discuss your experiences with other learners.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Enhance your spatial analysis skills through exercises

Show steps

Reinforce your understanding of spatial analysis concepts by solving exercises and applying techniques covered in the course.

Browse courses on Spatial Analysis

Show steps

Review the course materials on spatial analysis methods.
Practice applying these methods through online exercises or interactive platforms.
Analyze real-world geospatial data to solve practical problems.
Share your solutions and insights with other learners.

Create a personal geospatial data collection system

Show steps

Build your own geospatial data collection system to enhance your understanding of data acquisition techniques and strengthen your practical skills.

Show steps

Identify the purpose and scope of your data collection system.
Research and select appropriate data collection methods.
Design and implement a data collection protocol.
Collect and organize the geospatial data.
Validate and analyze the collected data.

Compile a portfolio of your geospatial projects

Show steps

Showcase your geospatial skills and knowledge by creating a portfolio that demonstrates your ability to apply concepts covered in the course.

Browse courses on Spatial Analysis

Show steps

Select your best geospatial projects that represent different aspects of the course.
Document your projects with clear descriptions and explanations.
Create a visually appealing and well-organized portfolio.
Share your portfolio with potential employers or clients.

Contribute to the QGIS project

Show steps

Deepen your understanding of GIS software and contribute to the open-source community by participating in the QGIS project.

Browse courses on QGIS

Show steps

Familiarize yourself with the QGIS codebase and development process.
Identify areas where you can contribute, such as bug fixes or feature enhancements.
Submit your contributions to the QGIS community for review.
Collaborate with other developers and learn from their experiences.

Career center

Learners who complete Geographical Information Systems - Part 1 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Geographic Information Systems Analyst

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analysts use specialized software to capture, manage, analyze, and visualize geographic data. This course will provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills to succeed in this role by teaching you how to digitize and store geodata, use SQL to manage and analyze data, and create effective maps. Additionally, you will learn about the different means used to acquire spatial data, such as direct measurement, georeferencing images, and digitization, which will be valuable knowledge for any GIS Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geographic Information Systems Analyst

Cartographer

Cartographers create maps and other visual representations of geographic data. This course will provide you with the skills to create effective maps based on the rules of graphic semiology, which is essential for Cartographers. Additionally, you will learn about the different types of geodata and how to use them to create maps, which will give you a strong foundation in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cartographer

Geomatics Engineer

Geomatics Engineers use their knowledge of surveying, mapping, and remote sensing to solve problems in a variety of industries, including land use planning, environmental management, and transportation. This course will provide you with the foundational knowledge in GIS that is essential for Geomatics Engineers, including how to digitize and store geodata, use SQL to manage and analyze data, and create effective maps. Additionally, you will learn about the different means used to acquire spatial data, such as direct measurement, georeferencing images, and digitization, which will be valuable knowledge for any Geomatics Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geomatics Engineer

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists use their knowledge of the environment to solve problems and protect the environment. This course will provide you with the foundational knowledge in GIS that is essential for Environmental Scientists, including how to digitize and store geodata, use SQL to manage and analyze data, and create effective maps. Additionally, you will learn about the different means used to acquire spatial data, such as direct measurement, georeferencing images, and digitization, which will be valuable knowledge for any Environmental Scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Urban Planner

Urban Planners use their knowledge of land use planning and zoning to create plans for the development of cities and towns. This course will provide you with the foundational knowledge in GIS that is essential for Urban Planners, including how to digitize and store geodata, use SQL to manage and analyze data, and create effective maps. Additionally, you will learn about the different means used to acquire spatial data, such as direct measurement, georeferencing images, and digitization, which will be valuable knowledge for any Urban Planner.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Transportation Engineer

Transportation Engineers use their knowledge of traffic engineering and transportation planning to design and manage transportation systems. This course will provide you with the foundational knowledge in GIS that is essential for Transportation Engineers, including how to digitize and store geodata, use SQL to manage and analyze data, and create effective maps. Additionally, you will learn about the different means used to acquire spatial data, such as direct measurement, georeferencing images, and digitization, which will be valuable knowledge for any Transportation Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Transportation Engineer

Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design and build infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. This course may be useful for Civil Engineers who want to learn more about GIS, which can be used to manage and analyze data related to infrastructure projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Data Analyst

Data Analysts use their knowledge of data analysis to solve problems and make informed decisions. This course may be useful for Data Analysts who want to learn more about GIS, which can be used to analyze spatial data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. This course may be useful for Software Engineers who want to learn more about GIS, which can be used to develop spatial applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. This course may be useful for Project Managers who want to learn more about GIS, which can be used to manage and track project data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts use their knowledge of business analysis to solve problems and improve business processes. This course may be useful for Business Analysts who want to learn more about GIS, which can be used to analyze spatial data related to business operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Statistician

Statisticians use their knowledge of statistics to collect, analyze, and interpret data. This course may be useful for Statisticians who want to learn more about GIS, which can be used to analyze spatial data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists use their knowledge of epidemiology to investigate and control diseases. This course may be useful for Epidemiologists who want to learn more about GIS, which can be used to analyze spatial data related to disease outbreaks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Geologist

Geologists use their knowledge of geology to study the Earth's structure and history. This course may be useful for Geologists who want to learn more about GIS, which can be used to analyze spatial data related to geology.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geologist

Archaeologist

Archaeologists use their knowledge of archaeology to study past human societies. This course may be useful for Archaeologists who want to learn more about GIS, which can be used to analyze spatial data related to archaeological sites.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archaeologist