What are the best GIS courses on Coursera?

Top courses include Fundamentals of GIS from the University of California, Davis , and GIS, Mapping, and Spatial Analysis from the University of Toronto . These programs cover the basics of GIS, spatial data analysis, and real-world applications in fields like urban planning and environmental management.

Can I learn GIS for free on Coursera?

Yes. Many GIS courses offer a free audit option, which allows learners to access video lessons and reading materials at no cost. To complete assignments or earn a certificate, you’ll need to upgrade or apply for financial aid.

What will I learn in a GIS course?

You’ll learn how to collect and analyze spatial data, create maps using GIS software like ArcGIS or QGIS, and apply GIS skills to solve real-world problems. Topics may include cartography , spatial databases, and remote sensing.

Do I need a technical background to start learning GIS?

Not necessarily. Many beginner-level GIS courses on Coursera assume no prior experience and walk you through foundational concepts. If you’re already familiar with data analysis or mapping, more advanced courses can help you deepen your skills.

Can Coursera’s GIS courses help me in my career?

Yes. GIS skills are in demand across industries like urban planning , environmental science , logistics , and public health . Coursera’s GIS courses can help you build job-ready skills, create a professional portfolio, and earn certificates that show your expertise.

Top Gis Courses - Learn Gis Online

Find the Best GIS Course for Your Goals

Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Building Data Visualization Tools
Skills you'll gain: Ggplot2, Data Visualization Software, Datamaps, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Interactive Data Visualization, Scatter Plots, Histogram, Graphic and Visual Design, R Programming, Geographic Information Systems, Software Development
3.9
Rating, 3.9 out of 5 stars
158 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Northeastern University
Healthcare Information Design and Visualizations
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Visualization Software, Data Presentation, Interactive Data Visualization, Infographics, Tableau Software, Dashboard, Data Analysis, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Ethics, Trend Analysis, Peer Review
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Exploratory Data Analysis for the Public Sector with ggplot
Skills you'll gain: Exploratory Data Analysis, Plot (Graphics), Data Presentation, Ggplot2, Statistical Visualization, R Programming, Data Visualization Software, Data Analysis, Scatter Plots, Graphic and Visual Design, Histogram, Tidyverse (R Package), Public Administration, Trend Analysis, Policy Analysis
5
Rating, 5 out of 5 stars
11 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Lausanne
HEALTHY URBAN SYSTEMS - PART 1 : Concepts and observations
Skills you'll gain: Health Policy, Public Health, Health Equity, Health Systems, Geographic Information Systems, Systems Thinking, Community Health, Spatial Analysis, Environmental Issue, Artificial Intelligence, Data Collection
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Publishing Visualizations in R with Shiny and flexdashboard
Skills you'll gain: Shiny (R Package), Dashboard, Ggplot2, Interactive Data Visualization, Data Visualization Software, Data Presentation, Application Development, UI Components, Web Applications, User Interface (UI), Application Deployment
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
70 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
EIT Digital
Geometric Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Geometry, Algorithms, Computer Graphics, Data Structures, Graph Theory, Spatial Data Analysis, Computational Thinking, Geographic Information Systems, Theoretical Computer Science, Spatial Analysis
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
24 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Advanced Visualizations using Tableau
Skills you'll gain: Data Visualization Software, Tableau Software, Data Visualization, Data Analysis, Geospatial Mapping, Advanced Analytics, Spatial Analysis, Data Manipulation, Forecasting
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Ball State University
Data Visualization
Skills you'll gain: Rmarkdown, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Visualization Software, Ggplot2, Interactive Data Visualization, Statistical Visualization, Visualization (Computer Graphics), R Programming, Data Storytelling, Data Presentation, Histogram, Scatter Plots, Data Analysis, Data Manipulation
Build toward a degree
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Ball State University
Introduction to Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Data Ethics, Data Collection, Probability & Statistics, Statistics, Data Visualization Software, R Programming, Data Science, Sampling (Statistics), Probability, Simulations, Data Wrangling, Analytical Skills, Data Analysis, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, General Mathematics, Statistical Analysis, Information Privacy, Regression Analysis, Arithmetic, Data Structures
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Washington
Communicating Data Science Results
Skills you'll gain: Data Ethics, Statistical Visualization, Data Storytelling, Data Visualization Software, Data Governance, Big Data, Technical Communication, Cloud Computing, Amazon Web Services, Information Privacy, Ethical Standards And Conduct
3.4
Rating, 3.4 out of 5 stars
142 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Resampling, Selection and Splines
Skills you'll gain: Data Science, R Programming, Statistical Machine Learning, Advanced Analytics, Dimensionality Reduction, Statistical Modeling, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Methods, Sampling (Statistics), Regression Analysis, Statistical Inference
5
Rating, 5 out of 5 stars
8 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months