Do I need to take the courses in a specific order?

It is recommended that you take the courses in the order listed in the Specialization. The courses build on each other, as they each introduce practical skills that require a certain level of conceptual understanding, and you will get the most out of the courses if you do them in order.

Will I earn university credit for completing the Specialization?

No, the courses and Specialization will not count for university credit.

What will I be able to do upon completing the Specialization?

You will understand the fundamental concepts of basic cartography and spatial analysis using a geographic information system (GIS), and be able to apply them using GIS software.

Is this course really 100% online? Do I need to attend any classes in person?

This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.

Can I just enroll in a single course?

Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Can I take the course for free?

No, you cannot take this course for free. When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for financial aid.

GIS, Mapping, and Spatial Analysis Specialization

Top instructor

GIS, Mapping, and Spatial Analysis Specialization

Launch your career in mapping and GIS!. Learn the concepts, tools, and techniques to make great maps that answer geographic questions.

Instructor: Don Boyes

Included with Coursera Plus

Learn more

4 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

4.9

(2,541 reviews)

Beginner level

No prior experience required

2 months at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Earn a career credential

Share your expertise with employers

4 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

4.9

(2,541 reviews)

Beginner level

No prior experience required

2 months at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Earn a career credential

Share your expertise with employers

What you'll learn

This Specialization is for those new to mapping and GIS, as well as anyone looking to gain a better understanding of how it all works and why. You will learn practical skills that can be applied to your own work using cutting-edge software created by Esri Inc., the world's leading GIS company and our industry partner.

What’s included

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Taught in English

20 practice exercises

Advance your subject-matter expertise

Learn in-demand skills from university and industry experts
Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
Earn a career certificate from University of Toronto

Specialization - 4 course series

The courses are based on the idea that you will get the most out of the learning experience if you can tailor your work to your own interests. You will learn how to create GIS data, how to find and evaluate data found online, how to design an effective map, and how to filter data and analyze spatial relationships, and how to work with satellite imagery. In the capstone course, you will apply everything you have learned by either building a portfolio of your work through "mini projects" or planning and executing one large project. Your capstone work will then be presented in a web-based story map that you can share with your friends, family, and colleagues.

Introduction to GIS Mapping

Course 114 hours4.8 (2,289 ratings)View course

What you'll learn

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. 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)

Skills you'll gain

Geographic Information Systems, ArcGIS, Data Capture, Geospatial Mapping, Spatial Analysis, Data Mapping, Spatial Data Analysis, and Global Positioning Systems

GIS Data Acquisition and Map Design

Course 220 hours4.9 (712 ratings)View course

What you'll learn

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. Next, we'll discuss metadata (which is information about a data set) so you know how to evaluate a data set before you decide to use it, as well as preparing data by merging and clipping files as needed. We'll then talk about how to take non-GIS data, such as a list of addresses, and convert it into "mappable" data using geocoding. Finally, you'll learn about how to take data that you have found and design a map using cartographic principles. In the course project, you will find your own data and create your own quantitative map.

Skills you'll gain

Design Elements And Principles, Data Mapping, Geographic Information Systems, Metadata Management, Typography, Quantitative Research, Geospatial Mapping, Data Manipulation, Data Visualization, Data Modeling, Spatial Data Analysis, and Spatial Analysis

Spatial Analysis and Satellite Imagery in a GIS

Course 314 hours4.9 (624 ratings)View course

What you'll learn

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. In this section, you will also learn about how to use ModelBuilder, a simple but powerful tool for building analysis flowcharts that can then also be run as models. You will then learn how to find, understand, and use remotely sensed data such as satellite imagery, as a rich source of GIS data. You will then learn how to analyze raster data. Finally, you will complete your own project where you get to try out the new skills and tools you have learned about in this course.

Skills you'll gain

Spatial Analysis, Spatial Data Analysis, Image Analysis, Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Information and Technology, Data Manipulation, Geospatial Mapping, GIS Software, and Query Languages

GIS, Mapping, and Spatial Analysis Capstone

Course 411 hours4.9 (318 ratings)View course

What you'll learn

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.

Skills you'll gain

Data Storytelling, Data Management, Geospatial Mapping, Data Integration, Data Visualization, Geographic Information Systems, ArcGIS, Spatial Analysis, Data Mapping, Data Compilation, and Metadata Management

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Top Instructor

Don Boyes

University of Toronto

4 Courses113,029 learners

Offered by

University of Toronto

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Frequently asked questions

You will need ArcGIS Desktop to complete the course projects, as well as ArcGIS Online for the capstone project. Please note that software is not provided. Student licenses can be purchased here: https://www.esri.com/en-ca/store/arcgis-student-use

The Specialization can be completed in 24 weeks, although students may work at their own pace and finish in more or less time.

No prior knowledge is necessary to successfully complete the Specialization.

GIS, Mapping, and Spatial Analysis Specialization

What you'll learn

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

What’s included

Advance your subject-matter expertise