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 University
About this Course
16,475 recent views
Learner Career Outcomes
23%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
18%
got a pay increase or promotion
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. 15 hours to complete
Suggested: 6-8 hours / week
English
Subtitles: English, Greek, Chinese (Simplified)
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
4 hours to complete
The Changing Nature of Place
Discover the Geospatial Revolution and its impact on the rapidly evolving science of Geography.
4 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 Quiz34m
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 Quiz36m
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
4.7
TOP REVIEWS FROM MAPS AND THE GEOSPATIAL REVOLUTION
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.
by NPFeb 25, 2020
This course has shown that it's possible do so many things in the webGIS workspace. There area some free tools that can help us in simple maps.
by SGMay 2, 2018
Great course , completely covers all the fundamentals and provides interesting insights properly. Recommended to all geospatial enthusiasts.
by DCJul 25, 2017
Great introduction to GIS, and geospacial concepts. I would definitely recommend it to someone trying to get a feeling for what GIS is.
by CANov 12, 2017
If you like cheesy jokes, he's your man. Good short intro to GIS with some interesting examples and hands on with ArcGIS online
by CCApr 1, 2019
Very interesting course and has a workable timetable with a worthwhile end project which cements the knowledge and learning.
by LGNov 16, 2017
Is a very important course that illustrates Geospatial RevolutionIt also shows important facts about maps
by CWJun 9, 2018
So amazing!! Would 100% recommend for anyone with an interest in Geography and Geospatial analysis.
by MBJun 30, 2018
its change my old style work now i am working with advance way after complete this coursera.Regards
by WWSep 20, 2017
Very good Basic course for GIS\n\ngood information, good ordering of material\n\nI advice to enroll
by ASJul 10, 2017
This course is really worth of it, for knowing, creating maps in open source software.
by AMOct 22, 2017
This was great course in GIS foundation. One of my favorite online course ever.
by CGSep 19, 2017
Great intro to not just GIS, but mapping and geography principles as a whole.
by AMJan 7, 2018
Very Helpful and Educational. Would Recommend to Students Especially.
by AFAug 24, 2017
Very useful in gaining a greater understanding of GIS as a whole.
by JSJan 12, 2018
super informative. Learned things I never thought about before.
by RRSep 6, 2017
Explored and experienced a good learning through this course.
by BBMar 3, 2018
Great content, good structure and inspiring lectures.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
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.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
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.
