Maps and the Geospatial Revolution

The Pennsylvania State University

About this Course

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Learn how advances in geospatial technology and analytical methods have changed how we do everything, and discover how to make maps and analyze geographic patterns using the latest tools.
The past decade has seen an explosion of new mechanisms for understanding and using location information in widely-accessible technologies. This Geospatial Revolution has resulted in the development of consumer GPS tools, interactive web maps, and location-aware mobile devices. These radical advances are making it possible for people from all walks of life to use, collect, and understand spatial information like never before.
 
This course brings together core concepts in cartography, geographic information systems, and spatial thinking with real-world examples to provide the fundamentals necessary to engage with Geography beyond the surface-level. We will explore what makes spatial information special, how spatial data is created, how spatial analysis is conducted, and how to design maps so that they’re effective at telling the stories we wish to share. To gain experience using this knowledge, we will work with the latest mapping and analysis software to explore geographic problems.

Learner Career Outcomes

13%

got a tangible career benefit from this course

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Beginner Level

Approx. 20 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: French, Portuguese (European), Chinese (Simplified), Greek, Russian, English, Spanish

Skills you will gain

MapGeographic Information System (GIS)CartographyMap Projection

Learner Career Outcomes

13%

got a tangible career benefit from this course

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Beginner Level

Approx. 20 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: French, Portuguese (European), Chinese (Simplified), Greek, Russian, English, Spanish

Instructor

Instructor rating

4.88/5 (19 Ratings)

Dr. Anthony C. Robinson

Associate Professor and Director for Online Geospatial Education

Department of Geography

19,644 Learners

1 Course

Offered by

The Pennsylvania State University

Founded in 1855 as Pennsylvania's only land-grant university, The Pennsylvania State University combines academic rigor with a vibrant campus life. A nationally recognized Research-I institution, Penn State teaches students to be leaders with a global perspective.

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Content Rating98%(3,834 ratings)

Week

Week 1

12 minutes to complete

Getting Started

Watch a short video to learn how this class works (it's a bit different than other MOOCs) and help make a map with your classmates.

12 minutes to complete

1 video (Total 2 min), 1 reading

1 video

Course Introduction1m

1 reading

Let's Make A Map10m

3 hours to complete

The Changing Nature of Place

Discover the Geospatial Revolution and its impact on the rapidly evolving science of Geography.

3 hours to complete

2 videos (Total 16 min), 5 readings, 1 quiz

2 videos

Lesson 1 - Lecture 15m

Lesson 1 - Lecture 210m

5 readings

The Geospatial Revolution10m

The Changing Nature of Place10m

What Is Geography?10m

Geospatial Revolution Video10m

Lesson 1 Mapping Activity1h 30m

1 practice exercise

Lesson 1 Quiz30m

Week

Week 2

4 hours to complete

Spatial is Special

Explore what it means to think spatially and consider the impacts of scale and time.

4 hours to complete

2 videos (Total 14 min), 6 readings, 1 quiz

2 videos

Lesson 2 - Lecture 16m

Lesson 2 - Lecture 27m

6 readings

Spatial is Special10m

Thinking like a Geographer10m

Spatial Relationships10m

Scale and Time10m

Geospatial Revolution Video20m

Lesson 2 Mapping Activity1h 30m

1 practice exercise

Lesson 2 Quiz30m

Week

Week 3

4 hours to complete

Understanding Spatial Data

Examine the key elements of spatial datasets.

4 hours to complete

2 videos (Total 12 min), 6 readings, 1 quiz

2 videos

Lesson 3 - Lecture 16m

Lesson 3 - Lecture 25m

6 readings

Spatial Data10m

The Earth from Above10m

Who Makes Spatial Data?10m

Describing Spatial Data10m

Lesson 3 Mapping Activity1h 30m

Geospatial Revolution Video10m

1 practice exercise

Lesson 3 Quiz30m

Week

Week 4

3 hours to complete

Doing Spatial Analysis

Learn how Geographers solve problems using spatial analysis techniques.

3 hours to complete

2 videos (Total 12 min), 5 readings, 1 quiz

2 videos

Lesson 4 - Lecture 15m

Lesson 4 - Lecture 26m

5 readings

Analysis Pitfalls10m

Spatial Analysis10m

Normalization10m

Geospatial Revolution Video10m

Lesson 4 Mapping Activity1h 30m

1 practice exercise

Lesson 4 Quiz30m

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You’ll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. Learn more.
Do I need to purchase any special software for this class?
Nope - you'll be using free WebGIS services in this course. No large downloads or software purchases are required to participate in this class.
What sort of computer works best for this class?
Most people will be fine to take this class with a laptop or desktop computer that has a contemporary web browser. Some have been successful completing the lab exercises in this class using phones/tablets, but the mapping assignments are not designed to be completed on mobile platforms at this time.
Will I earn university credit for completing the Course?
This Course doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Course Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more. Online Degrees and Mastertrack™ Certificates on Coursera provide the opportunity to earn university credit.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.

Maps and the Geospatial Revolution