Imagery, Automation, and Applications from Coursera

Welcome to the last course of the specialization (unless your continuing on to the capstone project, of course!). Using the knowledge you’ve learned about ArcGIS, complete technical tasks such raster calculations and suitability analysis. In this class you will become comfortable with spatial analysis and applications within GIS during four week-long modules: Week 1: You'll learn all about remotely sensed and satellite imagery, and be introduced to the electromagnetic spectrum. At the end of this week, you'll be able to find and download satellite imagery online and use it for two common types of analysis: NDVI and trained classification. Week 2: You'll learn how to use ModelBuilder to create large processing workflows that use parameters, preconditions, variables, and a new set of tools. We'll also explore a few topics that we don't really have time to discuss in detail, but might whet your appetite for future learning in other avenues: geocoding, time-enabled data, spatial statistics, and ArcGIS Pro. Week 3: In week three, we'll make and use digital elevation models using some new, specific tools such as the cut fill tool, hillshades, viewsheds and more. We'll also go through a few common algorithms including a very important one: the suitability analysis. Week 4: We'll begin the final week by talking about a few spatial analyst tools we haven't yet touched on in the specialization: Region Group to make our own zones, Focal Statistics to smooth a hillshade, Reclassify to change values, and Point Density to create a density surface. Finally, we'll wrap up by talking about a few more things that you might want to explore more as you start working on learning about GIS topics on your own. Take Geospatial and Environmental Analysis as a standalone course or as part of the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialization. You should have equivalent experience to completing the first, second, and third courses in this specialization, "Fundamentals of GIS," "GIS Data Formats, Design, and Quality", and "Geospatial and Environmental Analysis," respectively, before taking this course. By completing the fourth class you will gain the skills needed to succeed in the Specialization capstone.

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Highly relevant in industry, with skills such as raster calculations and suitability analysis being desirable for roles in GIS and beyond

This final course of the specialization brings the learner up to a level of competency needed to succeed in the capstone

Uses real-world examples throughout, ensuring that learners understand the practical applications of the concepts they are learning

Provides learners with a foundational understanding of raster data and its use in GIS, preparing them for further exploration and applications

Progressive learning structure allows learners to build upon their knowledge and skills throughout the course

Assumes learners have prior knowledge and experience in GIS, making it most suitable for those who have completed the previous courses in the specialization

Reviews summary

Valuable imagery, automation, and applications

This course teaches students how to analyze and process imagery. Students learn raster calculations, and work with tools like ArcGIS. The instructor is knowledgeable and clearly explains necessary topics.

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 Imagery, Automation, and Applications with these activities:

Complete a Quizizz review for Week 1

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Review the concepts covered in Week 1 of the course by taking a Quizizz quiz. This will help reinforce your understanding of the basics of GIS, including data formats, coordinate systems, and geospatial analysis techniques.

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Go to the Quizizz website and create an account.
Find the Quizizz for Week 1 of the course.
Take the quiz and review your results.

Follow a tutorial on how to use ArcGIS for spatial analysis

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These tutorials will help you learn key techniques and concepts for carrying out geospatial and environmental analysis.

Browse courses on Spatial Analysis

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Find a tutorial on a specific topic
Follow the tutorial steps and practice the concepts
Apply what you learned to a small sample dataset

Raster Calculator Challenges

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Practice raster calculations independently to solidify concepts and build problem-solving abilities

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Download sample raster datasets
Complete a series of challenges that involve raster calculations
Check your answers against provided solutions
Identify areas for improvement and seek additional practice if needed

Six other activities

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Complete practice exercises that focus on raster calculations and suitability analysis

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Practice will help develop the skills necessary for many GIS jobs.

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Find practice exercises online or in a textbook
Work through the exercises and check your answers
Repeat until you are confident in your abilities

Follow an online tutorial on Creating Maps with QGIS

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Expand your GIS skills by following an online tutorial on creating maps with QGIS. This will provide you with hands-on experience in using QGIS to create visually appealing and informative maps.

Browse courses on QGIS

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Find an online tutorial on creating maps with QGIS.
Follow the steps in the tutorial to create your own map.
Save and share your map with others.

Suitability Analysis Walk-throughs

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Follow guided tutorials to gain hands-on experience in suitability analysis, a crucial component of geospatial decision-making

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Find and download suitable datasets
Follow step-by-step instructions in the tutorials
Apply learned techniques to create your own suitability maps
Analyze the results and draw conclusions
Share your work and get feedback from peers or instructors

Form a small study group with classmates to discuss class material and work on projects together

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Collaboration can greatly improve your understanding and retention of complex topics.

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Find a few classmates who are interested in forming a study group
Decide how often and where you will meet
Plan what you will discuss or work on at each meeting

Create a blog post explaining a new technique you learned in class

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Blogging about a new technique will cement your understanding of it and help you internalize the knowledge.

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Identify a new technique that you learned in class
Think about how to explain the technique to someone who is not familiar with it
Write a blog post explaining the technique, including clear examples and visuals

Create a map or other visualization that showcases your understanding of spatial analysis

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Creating real-world deliverables will broaden your perspective on how to apply GIS techniques and showcase your skills to potential employers.

Browse courses on Spatial Analysis

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Identify a dataset that you can use to create a map or visualization
Design your map or visualization, including the layout, colors, and symbols
Create your map or visualization using GIS software

Career center

Learners who complete Imagery, Automation, and Applications will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Geospatial Analyst

Geospatial analysts use geographic information systems (GIS) to analyze and visualize spatial data. They use GIS to solve problems and make decisions in a variety of fields, including environmental science, urban planning, and transportation. The course "Imagery, Automation, and Applications" can help geospatial analysts develop the skills they need to use GIS effectively. The course covers topics such as spatial analysis, suitability analysis, and raster calculations. This knowledge can help geospatial analysts solve complex problems and make informed decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geospatial Analyst

GIS Specialist

GIS specialists use geographic information systems (GIS) to manage and analyze spatial data. They use GIS to create maps, reports, and other visualizations that can be used to support decision-making. The course "Imagery, Automation, and Applications" can help GIS specialists develop the skills they need to use GIS effectively. The course covers topics such as data management, spatial analysis, and cartography. This knowledge can help GIS specialists create high-quality maps and reports that can be used to support decision-making.

See salaries and explore the career path for GIS Specialist

Remote Sensing Analyst

Remote sensing analysts use satellite imagery and other data to study the Earth's surface. They use remote sensing to identify and analyze features such as land cover, water resources, and vegetation. The course "Imagery, Automation, and Applications" can help remote sensing analysts develop the skills they need to use remote sensing data effectively. The course covers topics such as remote sensing principles, image processing, and geographic information systems (GIS). This knowledge can help remote sensing analysts identify and analyze features on the Earth's surface.

See salaries and explore the career path for Remote Sensing Analyst

Cartographer

Cartographers create maps and other visual representations of geographic data. They use a variety of tools and techniques to produce maps that are both accurate and visually appealing. The course "Imagery, Automation, and Applications" can help cartographers develop the skills they need to create high-quality maps. The course covers topics such as remote sensing, satellite imagery, and digital elevation models. This knowledge can help cartographers create maps that are more accurate and informative.

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Urban Planner

Urban planners develop plans for the development and use of land in urban areas. They use a variety of tools and techniques to create plans that are both sustainable and equitable. The course "Imagery, Automation, and Applications" can help urban planners develop the skills they need to create high-quality plans. The course covers topics such as land use planning, transportation planning, and environmental planning. This knowledge can help urban planners create plans that are more sustainable and equitable.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental scientists study the environment and its components. They use a variety of tools and techniques to understand the environment and its interactions with humans. The course "Imagery, Automation, and Applications" can help environmental scientists develop the skills they need to study the environment effectively. The course covers topics such as remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and environmental modeling. This knowledge can help environmental scientists understand the environment and its interactions with humans.

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Transportation Engineer

Transportation engineers design and manage transportation systems. They use a variety of tools and techniques to create systems that are both efficient and safe. The course "Imagery, Automation, and Applications" can help transportation engineers develop the skills they need to design and manage transportation systems effectively. The course covers topics such as traffic engineering, transportation planning, and geographic information systems (GIS). This knowledge can help transportation engineers create systems that are more efficient and safe.

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Water Resources Engineer

Water resources engineers design and manage water resources systems. They use a variety of tools and techniques to create systems that are both sustainable and equitable. The course "Imagery, Automation, and Applications" can help water resources engineers develop the skills they need to design and manage water resources systems effectively. The course covers topics such as water resources planning, water quality modeling, and geographic information systems (GIS). This knowledge can help water resources engineers create systems that are more sustainable and equitable.

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Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data. They use a variety of tools and techniques to understand data and its implications. The course "Imagery, Automation, and Applications" can help statisticians develop the skills they need to use data effectively. The course covers topics such as data analysis, statistical modeling, and geographic information systems (GIS). This knowledge can help statisticians understand data and its implications.

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Data Scientist

Data scientists use data to solve problems and make decisions. They use a variety of tools and techniques to collect, analyze, and visualize data. The course "Imagery, Automation, and Applications" can help data scientists develop the skills they need to use data effectively. The course covers topics such as data mining, machine learning, and geographic information systems (GIS). This knowledge can help data scientists solve complex problems and make informed decisions.

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Computer Programmer

Computer programmers write computer programs. They use a variety of programming languages to create programs that solve problems and perform tasks. The course "Imagery, Automation, and Applications" can help computer programmers develop the skills they need to write high-quality programs. The course covers topics such as programming fundamentals, data structures, and algorithms. This knowledge can help computer programmers write programs that are more efficient and effective.

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Web Developer

Web developers create websites. They use a variety of programming languages and tools to create websites that are both functional and visually appealing. The course "Imagery, Automation, and Applications" can help web developers develop the skills they need to create high-quality websites. The course covers topics such as web design, front-end development, and back-end development. This knowledge can help web developers create websites that are more user-friendly and effective.

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Business Analyst

Business analysts use data to solve business problems and make decisions. They use a variety of tools and techniques to collect, analyze, and interpret data. The course "Imagery, Automation, and Applications" may be helpful to business analysts who want to learn more about using geographic information systems (GIS) to collect, analyze, and interpret spatial data.

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Database Administrator

Database administrators manage databases. They use a variety of tools and techniques to create, maintain, and secure databases. The course "Imagery, Automation, and Applications" may be helpful to database administrators who want to learn more about using geographic information systems (GIS) to manage and analyze spatial data.

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Systems Analyst

Systems analysts design and implement computer systems. They use a variety of tools and techniques to create systems that are both efficient and effective. The course "Imagery, Automation, and Applications" may be helpful to systems analysts who want to learn more about using geographic information systems (GIS) to design and implement systems that manage and analyze spatial data.

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