Fundamentals of GIS from Coursera

Explore the world of spatial analysis and cartography with geographic information systems (GIS). In this class you will learn the basics of the industry’s leading software tool, ArcGIS, during four week-long modules:

Week 1: Learn how GIS grew from paper maps to the globally integrated electronic software packages of today. You will install ArcGIS on your computer and learn how to use online help to answer technical questions.

Week 2: Open up ArcGIS and explore data using ArcMap. Learn the foundational concepts of GIS, how to analyze data, and make your first map.

Week 3: Make your own maps! Symbolize data and create an eye-catching final product.

Week 4: Share your data and maps and learn to store and organize your data.

Take Fundamentals of GIS as a standalone course or as part of the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialization. By completing the first class in the Specialization you will gain the skills needed to succeed in the full program.

Students who need an ArcGIS license will receive a non-commercial, 1 year student license for participation in this course and specialization.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Introduction and Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

In this module, we will cover course expectations, give you a quick overview of GIS and what's great about it, take a first look at ArcGIS Pro and identify key elements in the interface, and define core geospatial concepts and terminology. In Section 2, we will discuss options for desktop GIS, the history of GIS and how it's used today, discuss resources and help that you can use, and lay out core skills that are relevant to you as a GIS analyst. We'll close out by showing you how to get a copy of ArcGIS Pro for this course, and with a tutorial on getting started in ArcGIS.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Builds a strong foundation in one aspect of spatial analysis and cartography: GIS

Taught by Nick Santos and Eric Howard

Develops core skills for spatial analysis and cartography

Provides hands-on experience through ArcGIS software

Examines GIS concepts and applications highly relevant to industry and academia

Requires no prior knowledge of GIS

Reviews summary

Fundamentals of gis: solid basics with software challenges

According to learners, this course offers a solid foundation in GIS fundamentals using ArcGIS Pro. Many students praise the clear lectures and practical, hands-on labs as being particularly helpful for grasping the concepts and software use. The included ArcGIS Pro student license is also frequently highlighted as a significant benefit and value. While widely regarded as excellent for beginners, a recurring challenge mentioned by students is the difficulty and frustration with ArcGIS Pro installation and licensing. Some also felt parts were slightly rushed or that support could be better for technical issues. Overall, it's seen as a highly valuable starting point for a career in GIS.

Course pace and material suit absolute beginners.

"Highly recommend for beginners!"

"It's really geared towards absolute beginners, which is good..."

"I had zero prior experience with GIS or ArcGIS and feel like I have a solid understanding now."

"It moves at a good pace for beginners..."

Hands-on exercises are useful for applying skills.

"The hands-on labs were incredibly useful for practicing what was taught."

"The practical exercises are well-designed."

"The videos are clear and the labs are step-by-step."

"The labs are very practical."

Lectures explain core GIS concepts effectively.

"The lectures are clear and concise, covering fundamental concepts effectively."

"The instructor explains concepts well."

"Teaches the essential GIS concepts and how to use ArcGIS Pro effectively for basic tasks like data visualization..."

"Covers all the essential 'fundamentals' as promised."

Providing the ArcGIS Pro license adds significant value.

"Getting the ArcGIS Pro license was a huge bonus."

"The provided student license is invaluable."

"Fantastic value, especially with the included ArcGIS Pro license."

"Provides hands-on practice with the industry standard software."

Installation/licensing of ArcGIS Pro can be difficult.

"My main struggle was with the ArcGIS Pro installation and licensing process, which took a while to figure out."

"Found this course frustrating. The biggest issue was getting the ArcGIS Pro license to work. Spent hours troubleshooting."

"The software installation instructions could be clearer, and I encountered a few bugs."

"Expect technical hurdles with the software setup."

"The only downside was the occasional struggle with software licensing..."

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 Fundamentals of GIS with these activities:

Practice Map Creation and Symbology

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Gain hands-on experience with GIS software through map creation and symbology exercises.

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Open ArcGIS and explore its interface.
Load sample data and create a new map.
Apply different symbology to data layers to visualize information.
Save and export the created map.

Attend GIS Industry Events

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Network with professionals and learn about the latest trends in the GIS industry.

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Identify local GIS conferences, meetups, or workshops.
Attend events, connect with professionals, and exchange ideas.
Gain insights into real-world GIS applications and career opportunities.

Explore Advanced GIS Techniques

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Expand knowledge of GIS techniques beyond the scope of the course through guided tutorials.

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Identify areas of interest or specific skills to improve.
Search for and select reputable tutorials or online courses.
Follow the tutorials, experiment with different tools and techniques.
Apply new skills to personal projects or assignments.

Show all three activities

Career center

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

GIS Analyst

As a GIS Analyst, you will use geographic information systems (GIS) to analyze and visualize data. This course will help you build a foundation in GIS, including the basics of ArcGIS, data analysis, and cartography. You will learn how to use GIS to solve real-world problems, such as mapping the spread of a disease or planning a new road.

See salaries and explore the career path for GIS Analyst

Cartographer

As a Cartographer, you will create maps and other visual representations of geographic data. This course will help you build a foundation in cartography, including the principles of map design and the use of GIS software. You will learn how to create maps that are both accurate and visually appealing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cartographer

Geographer

As a Geographer, you will study the physical and human geography of the Earth. This course will help you build a foundation in geography, including the study of maps, landforms, climate, and vegetation. You will learn how to use GIS to analyze geographic data and solve real-world problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geographer

Urban Planner

As an Urban Planner, you will plan and design cities and towns. This course will help you build a foundation in urban planning, including the use of GIS to analyze data and create plans. You will learn how to use GIS to design sustainable and livable communities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Environmental Scientist

As an Environmental Scientist, you will study the environment and its interaction with humans. This course will help you build a foundation in environmental science, including the use of GIS to analyze data and solve environmental problems. You will learn how to use GIS to map pollution, track wildlife, and assess the impact of human activities on the environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Data Analyst

As a Data Analyst, you will collect, analyze, and interpret data. This course will help you build a foundation in data analysis, including the use of GIS to analyze spatial data. You will learn how to use GIS to identify trends, patterns, and relationships in data.

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Web Developer

As a Web Developer, you will design and develop websites. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in developing web-based GIS applications. You will learn how to use GIS to create interactive maps and other visualizations that can be used on the web.

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GIS Technician

As a GIS Technician, you will provide technical support for GIS users. This course will help you build a foundation in GIS, including the installation and configuration of GIS software. You will learn how to troubleshoot GIS problems and provide technical support to users.

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Project Manager

As a Project Manager, you will plan and manage projects. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in managing GIS projects. You will learn how to use GIS to create project plans, track progress, and manage resources.

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Business Analyst

As a Business Analyst, you will analyze data to help businesses make decisions. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in using GIS to analyze business data. You will learn how to use GIS to identify trends, patterns, and relationships in data that can be used to make better business decisions.

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Teacher

As a Teacher, you will teach students about a variety of subjects. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in teaching about GIS. You will learn how to use GIS to create maps, lessons, and other resources that can be used in the classroom.

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Journalist

As a Journalist, you will write, edit, and produce news stories. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in using GIS to report on news stories. You will learn how to use GIS to create maps, charts, and other visualizations that can be used to tell stories about the world around us.

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Researcher

As a Researcher, you will conduct research on a variety of topics. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in using GIS to conduct research. You will learn how to use GIS to collect, analyze, and interpret data that can be used to answer research questions.

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Policy Analyst

As a Policy Analyst, you will analyze policies and make recommendations for changes. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in using GIS to analyze policies. You will learn how to use GIS to create maps, charts, and other visualizations that can be used to inform policy decisions.

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Sales Representative

As a Sales Representative, you will sell products or services to customers. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in using GIS to sell products or services. You will learn how to use GIS to create maps, presentations, and other materials that can be used to sell products or services.

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