What will I actually learn in this GIS course?

You'll learn how GIS is used to understand location-based data and turn it into clear, useful maps. The course starts with core ideas like GIS terminology and how spatial data is represented, then builds into data exploration, map design, and sharing organized GIS work. Along the way, you'll practice tasks like analyzing layer attributes, creating map layouts, and packaging maps for others to use.

Do I need any GIS background before starting?

No, you don't need prior GIS experience. It begins with the basics of what GIS is, how the software works, and how to install and navigate ArcGIS, and learners who need access can receive a non-commercial one-year student license. Some general computer comfort, especially with installing desktop software and working with files in Windows, will make the early setup easier.

Is this course beginner-friendly for GIS?

Yes, this course is beginner-friendly if you're looking for a true introduction to GIS. It explains the key terms, shows you how to move around the software, and uses guided practice before asking you to create maps or run analysis tools on your own. It may feel more demanding if you're not comfortable installing software or managing files on your computer.

How long does it take to complete this course?

It's about 23 hours in total. At roughly 10 hours a week, that works out to around 2 to 3 weeks, though the content itself is organized as four modules. The course includes lessons, readings, quizzes, guided practice, and a peer-reviewed mapping assignment.

Are there hands-on exercises or projects in this course?

Yes, there's a meaningful amount of hands-on work, and most of it is guided. You'll create projects in ArcGIS Pro, add and explore datasets, work with attributes and selections, and build map layouts with labels, legends, and other map elements. The course then asks you to bring those steps together in a peer-reviewed wildfire mapping assignment, so you apply each skill in context.

What skills and topics are covered in this course?

The course covers core GIS concepts, desktop GIS workflow, cartography, and data management. You'll learn how to work with layers and attribute tables, use common analysis tools such as selections and spatial joins, and design maps with symbology, labels, and map series. It also introduces metadata, file formats, and sharing, so you're learning how GIS projects are built, organized, and communicated.

What can I actually do after finishing this course?

By the end, you should be able to open and organize GIS data, inspect attributes, run basic geoprocessing, and produce a finished map that others can read and use. One concrete example from the course is analyzing wildfire perimeter data by county and presenting the results in a complete map layout. That's a solid outcome for straightforward desktop GIS tasks, even though it isn't an advanced analysis course.

Is this course more focused on theory or hands-on learning?

It leans hands-on, but in a guided way. After the opening concepts, much of the course is spent using GIS software to explore data, change map appearance, run tools, and export results. It's a good fit if you want software practice more than a purely conceptual overview.

Why would I choose this course over other GIS courses?

This course is a strong choice if you want a beginner GIS class that follows the full desktop workflow rather than stopping at definitions or map styling alone. It takes you from basic concepts and software setup through data exploration, analysis, map layout, metadata, and sharing, with guided practice at each stage and a final peer-reviewed wildfire map. If you want one course that connects GIS ideas to the actual steps of producing and sharing map outputs, this one fits well.

Fundamentals of GIS

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Fundamentals of GIS

This course is part of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialization

Instructor: Eric Howard

203,247 already enrolled

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4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

5,913 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

2 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

97%

Most learners liked this course

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

5,913 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

2 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

97%

Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

Define core geospatial concepts
Practice with subset data using selections and feature attributes
Create map books using advanced mapping techniques
Create layer and map packages

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

Geographic Information Systems

Details to know

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Assessments

9 assignments¹

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Taught in English

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This course is part of the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
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There are 4 modules in this course

Explore the world of spatial analysis and cartography with geographic information systems (GIS). In this class you will learn the basics of the industry’s leading software tool, ArcGIS, during four week-long modules:

Week 1: Learn how GIS grew from paper maps to the globally integrated electronic software packages of today. You will install ArcGIS on your computer and learn how to use online help to answer technical questions. Week 2: Open up ArcGIS and explore data using ArcMap. Learn the foundational concepts of GIS, how to analyze data, and make your first map. Week 3: Make your own maps! Symbolize data and create an eye-catching final product. Week 4: Share your data and maps and learn to store and organize your data. Take Fundamentals of GIS as a standalone course or as part of the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialization. By completing the first class in the Specialization you will gain the skills needed to succeed in the full program. Students who need an ArcGIS license will receive a non-commercial, 1 year student license for participation in this course and specialization.

Module details

In this module, we will cover course expectations, give you a quick overview of GIS and what's great about it, take a first look at ArcGIS Pro and identify key elements in the interface, and define core geospatial concepts and terminology. In Section 2, we will discuss options for desktop GIS, the history of GIS and how it's used today, discuss resources and help that you can use, and lay out core skills that are relevant to you as a GIS analyst.

What's included

17 videos3 readings2 assignments

17 videosTotal 91 minutes

Course Overview2 minutes
Module 1 Overview1 minute
Why GIS is Awesome7 minutes
What is GIS? - Part 16 minutes
What is GIS? - Part 27 minutes
A First Look at GIS Software - Part 15 minutes
A First Look at GIS Software - Part 27 minutes
GIS Terminology to Know - Part 15 minutes
GIS Terminology to Know - Part 25 minutes
Tour of ArcGIS Pro - Part 16 minutes
Tour of ArcGIS Pro - Part 26 minutes
Tour of ArcGIS Pro - Part 36 minutes
Data Representation in GIS7 minutes
Desktop GIS Software Packages4 minutes
Getting Help with GIS - Part 16 minutes
Getting Help with GIS - Part 26 minutes
Relevant Skills for the GIS Analyst7 minutes

3 readingsTotal 31 minutes

Course Navigation and Safety Statement1 minute
Glossary of Terms15 minutes
Resources and Help for GIS15 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes

Lesson 1: Knowledge Check30 minutes
Lesson 2 Knowledge Check30 minutes

In this module, we'll start out by showing you how to get a copy of ArcGIS Pro for this course, and with a tutorial on getting started in ArcGIS. Then, we will explore GIS data using ArcMap and will explore and change properties of GIS layers to change map displays. We will subset data using selections, and explore feature attributes. Finally, we will learn about projections and use that knowledge as we run geoprocessing tools.

What's included

17 videos2 readings3 assignments1 app item1 discussion prompt

17 videosTotal 89 minutes

Module 2 Overview1 minute
Following Along7 minutes
Using ArcGIS Pro to Explore Data - Part 16 minutes
Using ArcGIS Pro to Explore Data - Part 26 minutes
Using ArcGIS Pro to Explore Data - Part 37 minutes
Viewing and Changing Layer Properties - Part 16 minutes
Viewing and Changing Layer Properties - Part 26 minutes
Viewing and Changing Layer Properties - Part 35 minutes
Using Feature Classes and Attribute Tables - Part 17 minutes
Using Feature Classes and Attribute Tables - Part 26 minutes
Using Feature Classes and Attribute Tables - Part 36 minutes
Selections7 minutes
An Introduction to Projections9 minutes
Geoprocessing, Environment Settings, and Spatial Joins - Part 13 minutes
Geoprocessing, Environment Settings, and Spatial Joins - Part 24 minutes
Geoprocessing, Environment Settings, and Spatial Joins - Part 32 minutes
Assignment 2 Overview1 minute

2 readingsTotal 210 minutes

How to Install ArcGIS Pro30 minutes
Practice Assignment: Introduction to ArcMap (Part 2)180 minutes

3 assignmentsTotal 127 minutes

Lesson 3 Knowledge Check30 minutes
Lesson 4 Knowledge Check7 minutes
Introduction to ArcGIS Pro - Guided Practice90 minutes

1 app itemTotal 5 minutes

Getting Your Copy of ArcGIS Pro5 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 15 minutes

Spatial Joins15 minutes

In this module we will identify common datasets in both the US and Internationally. We will use a new mode in ArcGIS to create complete maps that include proper symbology, legends, titles, north arrows, and data sources. We will further use more advanced mapping techniques to output map books and label items on the map.

What's included

19 videos1 reading2 assignments

19 videosTotal 106 minutes

Module 3 Overview1 minute
Finding Common Datasets7 minutes
Using Layout View to Make Maps - Part 17 minutes
Using Layout View to Make Maps - Part 27 minutes
Using Map Elements - Part 16 minutes
Using Map Elements - Part 26 minutes
Using Map Elements - Part 35 minutes
Using Map Elements - Part 45 minutes
Symbology: Changing How Your Data Looks5 minutes
Symbology Examples8 minutes
Setting Up Symbology in ArcGIS Pro - Part 16 minutes
Setting Up Symbology in ArcGIS Pro - Part 27 minutes
Setting Up Symbology in ArcGIS Pro - Part 35 minutes
Labeling Map Features - Part 17 minutes
Labeling Map Features - Part 26 minutes
Labeling Map Features - Part 36 minutes
Making Map Books - Part 16 minutes
Making Map Books - Part 26 minutes
Assignment 3 Overview1 minute

1 readingTotal 180 minutes

Practice Assignment: Laying Out and Exporting Maps180 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes

Lesson 5 Quiz30 minutes
Lesson 6 Quiz 30 minutes

In this module, we will view and edit metadata in order to create higher quality data. We will retrieve data from the web and share data, discuss workspaces and file formats, and create layer and map packages. We will also use multiple file formats for GIS data and be able to appropriately choose between them based upon project requirements.

What's included

15 videos1 reading2 assignments1 peer review

15 videosTotal 64 minutes

Module 4 Overview2 minutes
Using Metadata to Document Data Products7 minutes
Creating and Uploading Packages with ArcGIS Pro - Part 15 minutes
Creating and Uploading Packages with ArcGIS Pro - Part 25 minutes
Creating and Uploading Packages with ArcGIS Pro - Part 35 minutes
Importing Map Packages5 minutes
Choosing a Data Format - Part 14 minutes
Choosing a Data Format - Part 25 minutes
Joins and Relates - Part 14 minutes
Joins and Relates - Part 26 minutes
Joins and Relates - Part 34 minutes
Troubleshooting ArcGIS Pro - Part 14 minutes
Troubleshooting ArcGIS Pro - Part 25 minutes
Practice Assignment Overview2 minutes
Course Summary1 minute

1 readingTotal 120 minutes

Area Impacted by Wildfire Assignment Instructions120 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes

Lesson 7 Quiz 30 minutes
Lesson 8 Quiz30 minutes

1 peer reviewTotal 60 minutes

Practice Assignment: Wildfire Impacted Areas 60 minutes

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Instructor

Instructor ratings

(1,245 ratings)

Eric Howard

University of California, Davis

5 Courses217,372 learners

Offered by

University of California, Davis

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Reviewed on Apr 30, 2018

Excellent fundamental course. Easy to follow although Nick does talk a little fast at times, you can always pause and go back. Really fun and interactive way to get started in GIS. Cheers!

Reviewed on Aug 25, 2019

It was a very good opportunity to learn GIS. Now, I have an idea about the power of GIS and it was totally fun to complete course quizzes and assignments. I strongly recommend the course!

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2020

This course helps to understand the basics of ArcGIS desktop and a web GIS career. Though it does not discuss all these features, a peer can certainly kickstart a GIS career with this course.

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