Introduction to GIS Mapping (Coursera)

Offered by University of Toronto,
Introduction to GIS Mapping (Coursera)

Get started learning about the fascinating and useful world of geographic information systems (GIS)! In this first course of the specialization GIS, Mapping, and Spatial Analysis, you'll learn about what a GIS is, how to get started with the software yourself, how things we find in the real world can be represented on a map, how we record locations using coordinates, and how we can make a two-dimensional map from a three-dimensional Earth.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

In the course project, you will create your own GIS data by tracing geographic features from a satellite image for a location and theme of your choice. This course will give you a strong foundation in mapping and GIS that will give you the understanding you need to start working with GIS, and to succeed in the other courses in this specialization.
This course is for anyone who wants to learn about mapping and GIS. You don't have to have any previous experience - just your curiosity! The course includes both practical software training and explanations of the concepts you need to know to make informed decisions as you start your journey to becoming a GIS analyst.
You will need a Windows computer with ArcGIS Desktop installed. (software is not provided)

Course 1 of 4 in the GIS, Mapping, and Spatial Analysis Specialization.

Syllabus

WEEK 1: What is a GIS?
WEEK 2: Introduction to ArcGIS
WEEK 3: Mapping the real world with vector and raster data
WEEK 4: Mapping Locations with Coordinate Systems
WEEK 5: Flattening the Earth with Map Projections
WEEK 6: Project: Creating Your Own Data

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Cartographie thématique (Coursera) Coursera
École normale supérieure

Cartographie thématique (Coursera)

Apprendre à réaliser des cartes ? C’est ce que propose ce cours grâce à des vidéos, des exercices, un forum. A la fin de la formation, vous maîtriserez les principes de la sémiologie graphique, et vous saurez les mettre en œuvre pour construire des cartes thématiques simples et de qualité. Ces cartes personnelles donneront de la force à vos rapports, synthèses, articles, mémoires universitaires, sites web...

Jul 13th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Building Data Visualization Tools (Coursera) Coursera
Johns Hopkins University

Building Data Visualization Tools (Coursera)

The data science revolution has produced reams of new data from a wide variety of new sources. These new datasets are being used to answer new questions in way never before conceived. Visualization remains one of the most powerful ways draw conclusions from data, but the influx of new data types requires the development of new visualization techniques and building blocks. This course provides you with the skills for creating those new visualization building blocks.

Jul 27th 2026
4 Weeks
Exploring Humans’ Space: An Introduction to Geographicity (edX) EdX
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne,EPFLx

Exploring Humans’ Space: An Introduction to Geographicity (edX)

Explore how geography, cartography, urbanization and spatial justice play a role in shaping the notion of human space. How do we understand the notion of space? How have urbanisation, mobility, digital spaces, and globalization changed the way we perceive it? This course aims to help you feel comfortable with the notion of space.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Spatial Analysis and Satellite Imagery in a GIS (Coursera) Coursera
University of Toronto

Spatial Analysis and Satellite Imagery in a GIS (Coursera)

In this course, you will learn how to analyze map data using different data types and methods to answer geographic questions. First, you will learn how to filter a data set using different types of queries to find just the data you need to answer a particular question. Then, we will discuss simple yet powerful analysis methods that use vector data to find spatial relationships within and between data sets.

Jul 27th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Computational Geometry (Coursera) Coursera
Saint Petersburg State University

Computational Geometry (Coursera)

This course represents an introduction to computational geometry – a branch of algorithm theory that aims at solving problems about geometric objects. Its application areas include computer graphics, computer-aided design and geographic information systems, robotics, and many others. You will learn to apply to this end various algorithmic approaches, and asses their strong and weak points in a particular context, thus gaining an ability to choose the most appropriate method for a concrete problem.

May 16th 2022
5-12 Weeks
GIS, Mapping, and Spatial Analysis Capstone (Coursera) Coursera
University of Toronto

GIS, Mapping, and Spatial Analysis Capstone (Coursera)

In this capstone course, you will apply everything you have learned by designing and then completing your own GIS project. You will plan out your project by writing a brief proposal that explains what you plan to do and why. You will then find data for a topic and location of your choice, and perform analysis and create maps that allow you to try out different tools and data sets. The results of your work will be assembled into an Esri story map, which is a web site with maps, images, text, and video. The goal is for you to have a finished product that you can share, and that demonstrates what you have learned.

Jul 27th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Spatial Data Science and Applications (Coursera) Coursera
Yonsei University

Spatial Data Science and Applications (Coursera)

Spatial (map) is considered as a core infrastructure of modern IT world, which is substantiated by business transactions of major IT companies such as Apple, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Intel, and Uber, and even motor companies such as Audi, BMW, and Mercedes. Consequently, they are bound to hire more and more spatial data scientists. Based on such business trend, this course is designed to present a firm understanding of spatial data science to the learners, who would have a basic knowledge of data science and data analysis, and eventually to make their expertise differentiated from other nominal data scientists and data analysts.

Aug 10th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Essential Epidemiologic Tools for Public Health Practice (Coursera) Coursera
Johns Hopkins University

Essential Epidemiologic Tools for Public Health Practice (Coursera)

In order to make a difference in the health and well-being of a population, we must understand the burden of all problems and conditions that affect the population, as well as how well our efforts to mitigate these problems are actually working. This course provides you with some essential skills and tools that will enhance your ability to describe and understand the health of your community

Aug 3rd 2026
4 Weeks
GIS Applications Across Industries (Coursera) Coursera
University of California, Davis

GIS Applications Across Industries (Coursera)

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is becoming an essential business skill across a variety of different disciplines. In this course, you will explore how GIS skills are commonly applied and used in a variety of industries focusing specifically on: environmental studies, public health, emergency management, and business development. You will be empowered to conduct GIS-based analyses that are commonly used in these areas and benefit from how each industry uses GIS to tackle common analysis needs. Additionally, you will work through a series of hands-on exercises that will improve your knowledge of the advanced analysis capabilities of ArcGIS Pro.

Aug 17th 2026
4 Weeks
Strategies for Effective Engagement (Coursera) Coursera
University of Colorado Boulder

Strategies for Effective Engagement (Coursera)

Being a successful professional requires creative, innovative, and entrepreneurial thinking, and to continually have a problem-solving mindset. As a systems thinker, you are expected to engage complex problems from multiple perspectives and different angles, viewing them holistically. This course exposes the student to a variety of tools used to engage stakeholders, collect data, and more deeply understand the community.

Aug 3rd 2026
3 Weeks
Introduction aux Systèmes d’Information Géographique - Partie 2 (Coursera) Coursera
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Introduction aux Systèmes d’Information Géographique - Partie 2 (Coursera)

Ce cours constitue la seconde partie d'un enseignement consacré aux bases théoriques et pratiques des systèmes d’information géographique. - Il propose une introduction aux systèmes d’information géographique qui ne requiert pas de connaissances préalables en informatique. - Il donne la possibilité d’acquérir rapidement les notions de base qui vous permettent de créer des bases de données spatiales et de fabriquer des cartes géographiques. - Il s’agit d’un cours pratique qui repose sur l’utilisation de logiciels libres, notamment QGIS.

Jun 29th 2026
5-12 Weeks