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.
Offered By
Maps and the Geospatial Revolution
The Pennsylvania State UniversityAbout this Course
20,596 recent views
Learner Career Outcomes
23%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
18%
got a pay increase or promotion
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 (Brazilian), Chinese (Simplified), Greek, Russian, English, Spanish
Skills you will gain
MapGeographic Information System (GIS)CartographyMap Projection
Learner Career Outcomes
23%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
18%
got a pay increase or promotion
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 (Brazilian), Chinese (Simplified), Greek, Russian, English, Spanish
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
5 readings
Analysis Pitfalls10m
Spatial Analysis10m
Normalization10m
Geospatial Revolution Video10m
Lesson 4 Mapping Activity1h 30m
1 practice exercise
Lesson 4 Quiz30m
Reviews
TOP REVIEWS FROM MAPS AND THE GEOSPATIAL REVOLUTION
by PHApr 27, 2020
Well organized course structure and comprehensive reading materials. I have used 30% of the knowledge I learned from this course in the past two months in my work.\n\nRecommended.
by DAApr 6, 2019
from the first week it introduces the student to the subject it breaks the ice between the student and the subject.If you want to start this is the perfect place for you.
by CSFeb 8, 2019
This was a great introductory class to geospatial thinking. I really like how the class is set up, the content is easy to digest and explained in an exciting manner.
by BBNov 6, 2017
This was a great course and intro to geospatial data and mapping. Lots of theory was taught, while the hand on activities were most valuable. Recommended.
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.
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
