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

GIS Image Analysis in ArcGIS Pro (edX) EdX
University of Alaska Fairbanks,AlaskaX

GIS Image Analysis in ArcGIS Pro (edX)

Learn fundamentals of remote sensing, image analysis, image processing and its application on real-world problems such as vegetation health, wildfire severity, and flooding. Image analysis is extraction of meaningful information from an image to accomplish a simple task like understanding the landscape or to solve a complex problem like face recognition.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
GIS Data Acquisition and Map Design (Coursera) Coursera
University of Toronto

GIS Data Acquisition and Map Design (Coursera)

In this course, you will learn how to find GIS data for your own projects, and how to create a well-designed map that effectively communicates your message. The first section focuses on the basic building blocks of GIS data, so that you know what types of GIS files exist, and the implications of choosing one type over another.

Oct 19th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Éléments de Géomatique (Coursera) Coursera
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Éléments de Géomatique (Coursera)

Les nouvelles technologies de l’information ont facilité l’accès à de nombreuses bases de données offrant au grand public, mais surtout aux professionnels, une multitude de services. Le domaine de l’information géographique a également suivi ce mouvement en modernisant l’ensemble des supports, des plans, des cartes topographiques et de tous les types de données à référence spatiale. Face au déploiement massif des cartes numériques et des nombreux services basés sur la localisation, il s’agit de rester critique et surtout de développer les capacités nécessaires afin de choisir les outils et jeux de géodonnées adaptés aux besoins professionnels.

Oct 19th 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
Geospatial Analysis Project (Coursera) Coursera
University of California, Davis

Geospatial Analysis Project (Coursera)

In this project-based course, you will design and execute a complete GIS-based analysis – from identifying a concept, question or issue you wish to develop, all the way to final data products and maps that you can add to your portfolio. What you will learn: create a GIS project proposal; develop a hypothesis for a GIS-based question; complete a data analysis in line with your project objectives; interpret and explain the results you obtained in comparison to your original GIS question and/or hypothesis.

Dec 2nd 2024
5-12 Weeks
Visual Analytics with Tableau (Coursera) Coursera
University of California, Davis

Visual Analytics with Tableau (Coursera)

In this third course of the specialization, we’ll drill deeper into the tools Tableau offers in the areas of charting, dates, table calculations and mapping. We’ll explore the best choices for charts, based on the type of data you are using. We’ll look at specific types of charts including scatter plots, Gantt charts, histograms, bullet charts and several others, and we’ll address charting guidelines.

Oct 19th 2026
4 Weeks
Introduction to Complex Analysis (Coursera) Coursera
Wesleyan University

Introduction to Complex Analysis (Coursera)

This course provides an introduction to complex analysis which is the theory of complex functions of a complex variable. We will start by introducing the complex plane, along with the algebra and geometry of complex numbers, and then we will make our way via differentiation, integration, complex dynamics, power series representation and Laurent series into territories at the edge of what is known today.

Oct 12th 2026
5-12 Weeks
GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality (Coursera) Coursera
University of California, Davis

GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality (Coursera)

In this course, the second in the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialization. What you will learn: design data tables and use separating and joining data in a relational database; write query strings to subset data; create and work with raster data; create web maps.

Oct 12th 2026
4 Weeks
Geospatial and Environmental Analysis (Coursera) Coursera
University of California, Davis

Geospatial and Environmental Analysis (Coursera)

Apply your GIS knowledge in this course on geospatial analysis, focusing on analysis tools, 3D data, working with rasters, projections, and environment variables. Through all four weeks of this course, we'll work through a project together - something unique to this course - from project conception, through data retrieval, initial data management and processing, and finally to our analysis products.

Mar 18th 2024
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.

Oct 12th 2026
4 Weeks
Operational Context and Data (Coursera) Coursera
University at Buffalo,The State University of New York

Operational Context and Data (Coursera)

By the end of this course, learners are empowered to implement data-driven process improvement objectives at their organization. The course covers: the business case for IoT (Internet of Things), the strategic importance of aligning operations and performance goals, best practices for collecting data, and facilitating a process mapping activity to visualize and analyze a process’s flow of materials and information. Learners are prepared to focus efforts around business needs, evaluate what the organization should measure, discern between different types of IoT data and collect key performance indicators (KPIs) using IoT technology. Learners have the opportunity to implement process improvement objectives in a mock scenario and consider how the knowledge can be transferred to their own organizational contexts.

Jul 6th 2026
4 Weeks