GIS Foundations from edX

GIS is a framework for gathering, managing, and analyzing data. Using the principles of geographic science, it integrates many types of geospatial data, analyzes their relationships, and organizes them in layers of information for visualization and improved understanding. This free online course focuses on ESRI’s ArcGIS software, the industry standard within GIS software. Jack Dangermond, CEO of ESRI, describes GIS as “uncovering meaning and insights from within data.”

Participants in this course will learn GIS concepts and fundamentals, tools, and processing applicable to problems in a variety of fields, including cartography, remote sensing, data science, public health, health care, information technology, social science, urban planning, government, and business. Your enrollment in this course will prepare you to work with spatial data and conduct spatial data analysis with datasets and geographic data.

This self-paced course is designed for self-study. Coursework covers GIS applications of real-world problems, and prepares learners for more advanced applications such as 3D GIS and GIS Image Analysis, the two other GIS courses in the GIS Essentials Professional Certificate program. This course can be taken individually as an elective or as part of this larger specialization.

GIS, once an esoteric technology limited to geographers and data scientists, is now available to everyone. Thousands of organizations in virtually every field are using GIS to analyze data, make maps that reveal patterns and relationships, share insights, and solve complex problems of local to global significance in the areas of sustainability, land use, watershed mapping, and more. The ability to conduct this kind of geospatial analysis and conduct web mapping is a skill growing in relevance to employers.

Verified track learners will receive one-year ArcGIS Pro Desktop (Windows) license with support only for tools used in the course in addition to unlimited course access and a verified certificate.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Use arcgis pro software efficiently
Explore, create and analyze geospatial data in arcgis pro software
Create and share new gis data

Use arcgis geoprocessing tools for data preparation, building workflows and spatial analysis
Create informative visualizations in the form of maps, graphs and charts
Perform spatial analyses on points, lines, and polygons data to gain deeper insight into data, patterns and relationships

Use arcgis pro software efficiently
Explore, create and analyze geospatial data in arcgis pro software
Create and share new gis data
Use arcgis geoprocessing tools for data preparation, building workflows and spatial analysis
Create informative visualizations in the form of maps, graphs and charts
Perform spatial analyses on points, lines, and polygons data to gain deeper insight into data, patterns and relationships

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction to GIS

What is GIS?

History of GIS

GIS data types (vector and raster)

GIS file types and datasets (File Geodatabase, Feature Class, Shapefile, Table, GeoTiff)

Coordinate systems (geographic and projected)

GIS applications and ArcGIS Pro access

Week 2: Getting started with ArcGIS Pro Software

Project set up in ArcGIS Pro

Introduction to Geospatial data processing tools

Introduction to feature class (point, line, polygon)

Working with attribute tables

ArcGIS best practices

Week 3: Spatial Analysis using Geoprocessing tools

Point analysis

Line analysis

Polygon analysis

Week 4: Map Layout and Charts

Create your first GIS map

Add basic map elements to a map layout (title, scale, north arrow, descriptive text)

Add advanced map elements (map grid and overview map)

Create charts from spatial data

Format and analyze GIS charts

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by a team including Chris Smith, who has expertise in geospatial technologies

Provides a comprehensive overview of GIS concepts and tools, including fundamentals, geoprocessing, and data visualization with ArcGIS Pro

Suitable for a diverse audience, including students and professionals in fields such as cartography, data science, urban planning, and social sciences

Provides a thorough foundation in spatial data analysis and web mapping, preparing learners for advanced applications in GIS

Offers hands-on learning opportunities with a verified ArcGIS Pro Desktop license for one year

Self-paced and flexible format allows learners to study at their own convenience

Reviews summary

Excellent course for beginners

According to students, GIS Foundations is an excellent course for beginners who want to learn the basics of GIS. The course is simple and easy to digest, and the assignments are engaging. The instructor is also knowledgeable and helpful.

The assignments are engaging and help students to apply what they have learned.

The instructor does an excellent job explaining complex concepts in a clear and concise way.

"Great to begin with since it is simple and easy to digest"

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 GIS Foundations with these activities:

Review the basics of GIS

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Reviewing the basics of GIS before taking this course will help you refresh your memory and ensure that you have a strong foundation.

Browse courses on GIS

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Read the course syllabus
Review your notes from previous GIS courses
Watch online tutorials

Review the concepts of spatial analysis

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Reviewing the concepts of spatial analysis before taking this course will help you refresh your memory and ensure that you have a strong foundation.

Browse courses on GIS

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Read the course syllabus
Review your notes from previous GIS courses
Watch online tutorials

Create a new GIS map

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Creating your own GIS map while following along with the course material will help solidify your understanding of the tools and concepts of GIS software.

Browse courses on GIS

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Start a new project in ArcGIS Pro
Add data to your project
Symbolize your data
Create a layout and export your map

Five other activities

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Start a GIS project

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Starting a GIS project will help you apply the skills you are learning in this course to a real-world problem.

Browse courses on GIS

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Choose a project idea
Gather data
Create a project plan
Start working on your project

Perform spatial analysis on a dataset

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Performing spatial analysis on a dataset will help you develop your skills in using GIS software to analyze and interpret data.

Browse courses on GIS

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Load data into ArcGIS Pro
Choose an appropriate analysis tool
Run the analysis
Interpret the results

Create a presentation on a GIS topic

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Creating a presentation on a GIS topic will help you develop your communication skills and your ability to synthesize information.

Browse courses on GIS

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Choose a topic
Research your topic
Create your presentation
Practice your presentation
Present your presentation

Contribute to an open-source GIS project

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Contributing to an open-source GIS project will help you develop your skills in GIS software and your ability to work with others.

Browse courses on GIS

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Find an open-source GIS project
Choose an issue to work on
Fix the issue
Submit a pull request

Participate in a GIS competition

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Participating in a GIS competition will help you develop your skills in using GIS software and your ability to solve problems.

Browse courses on GIS

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Find a competition
Register for the competition
Prepare for the competition
Compete in the competition

Career center

Learners who complete GIS Foundations will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Geospatial Analyst

Geospatial Analysts use GIS to analyze and visualize spatial data. They work with data from a variety of sources, such as satellite imagery, aerial photography, and GPS data. Geospatial Analysts use this data to create maps, charts, and other visualizations that help decision-makers understand complex spatial relationships. This course is a great fit for Geospatial Analysts because it provides a comprehensive introduction to GIS, including hands-on experience with ArcGIS Pro software.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geospatial Analyst

GIS Analyst

GIS Analysts use GIS to analyze and visualize spatial data. They work with a variety of data types, including vector data, raster data, and attribute data. GIS Analysts use GIS to create maps, charts, and other visualizations that help decision-makers understand complex spatial relationships. This course is a great fit for GIS Analysts because it provides a comprehensive introduction to GIS, including hands-on experience with ArcGIS Pro software.

See salaries and explore the career path for GIS Analyst

GIS Specialist

GIS Specialists use GIS to analyze and visualize spatial data. They work with a variety of data types, including vector data, raster data, and attribute data. GIS Specialists use GIS to create maps, charts, and other visualizations that help decision-makers understand complex spatial relationships. This course is a great fit for GIS Specialists because it provides a comprehensive introduction to GIS, including hands-on experience with ArcGIS Pro software.

See salaries and explore the career path for GIS Specialist

Natural Resource Specialist

Natural Resource Specialists manage and protect natural resources, such as forests, wildlife, and water. They work with a variety of data, including GIS data, to understand and manage these resources. This course may be useful for Natural Resource Specialists because it provides a foundation in GIS, which is essential for analyzing and visualizing natural resource data.

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Information Technology Specialist

Information Technology Specialists plan, implement, and maintain computer systems and networks. They also provide technical support to users. This course may be useful for Information Technology Specialists because it provides a foundation in GIS, which is increasingly being used by organizations to manage and analyze spatial data.

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Transportation Engineer

Transportation Engineers design, build, and maintain transportation systems. They work with a variety of data, including GIS data, to plan and design these systems. This course may be useful for Transportation Engineers because it provides a foundation in GIS, which is essential for analyzing and visualizing transportation data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Transportation Engineer

Land Surveyor

Land Surveyors determine the boundaries of land parcels and create maps and legal descriptions of those parcels. They work with a variety of data, including GIS data, to ensure that land boundaries are accurate and legal. This course may be useful for Land Surveyors because it provides a foundation in GIS, which is essential for analyzing and visualizing land-related data.

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Remote Sensing Analyst

Remote Sensing Analysts use satellite imagery and other remotely sensed data to study the Earth's surface. They work with a variety of data, including GIS data, to analyze and visualize this data. This course may be useful for Remote Sensing Analysts because it provides a foundation in GIS, which is essential for analyzing and visualizing remotely sensed data.

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Hydrologist

Hydrologists study the movement and distribution of water on the Earth's surface and underground. They work with data from a variety of sources, such as stream gauges, rain gauges, and satellite imagery. Hydrologists use this data to develop models that can be used to predict floods, droughts, and other water-related hazards. This course may be useful for Hydrologists because it provides a foundation in GIS, which is essential for analyzing and visualizing water-related data.

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Map Librarian

Map Librarians manage and provide access to maps and other geospatial data. They work with a variety of data formats, including GIS data. This course may be useful for Map Librarians because it provides a foundation in GIS, which is essential for understanding and managing geospatial data.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites. They work with a variety of data, including GIS data, to create interactive and informative websites. This course may be useful for Web Developers because it provides a foundation in GIS, which can be used to create web maps and other geospatial applications.

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Planner

Planners develop plans for the use of land and resources. They work with a variety of data, including GIS data, to understand and plan for the needs of communities. This course may be useful for Planners because it provides a foundation in GIS, which is essential for analyzing and visualizing land-use data.

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Urban Planner

Urban Planners develop plans for the use of land and resources in urban areas. They work with a variety of data, including GIS data, to understand and plan for the needs of urban communities. This course may be useful for Urban Planners because it provides a foundation in GIS, which is essential for analyzing and visualizing urban data.

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Environmental Analyst

Environmental Analysts collect, review, interpret, and prepare data on environmental issues, such as air and water quality, hazardous waste, and toxic substances. They analyze data to determine whether environmental regulations are being met, and help develop plans to protect the environment. This course may be useful for Environmental Analysts because it helps build a foundation in GIS, which is essential for analyzing and visualizing environmental data.

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Project Manager

Project Managers oversee the planning, execution, and completion of projects. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and team members. This course may be useful for Project Managers because it provides a foundation in GIS, which can be used to manage and track project progress and outcomes.

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