Fundamentals of GIS

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

Instructor: Eric Howard

Access provided by ITC-Infotech

199,884 already enrolled

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

5,901 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.

5,901 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

Shareable certificate

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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.

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 videos Total 91 minutes

Course Overview 2 minutes
Module 1 Overview 1 minute
Why GIS is Awesome 7 minutes
What is GIS? - Part 1 6 minutes
What is GIS? - Part 2 7 minutes
A First Look at GIS Software - Part 1 5 minutes
A First Look at GIS Software - Part 2 7 minutes
GIS Terminology to Know - Part 1 5 minutes
GIS Terminology to Know - Part 2 5 minutes
Tour of ArcGIS Pro - Part 1 6 minutes
Tour of ArcGIS Pro - Part 2 6 minutes
Tour of ArcGIS Pro - Part 3 6 minutes
Data Representation in GIS 7 minutes
Desktop GIS Software Packages 4 minutes
Getting Help with GIS - Part 1 6 minutes
Getting Help with GIS - Part 2 6 minutes
Relevant Skills for the GIS Analyst 7 minutes

3 readings Total 31 minutes

Course Navigation and Safety Statement 1 minute
Glossary of Terms 15 minutes
Resources and Help for GIS 15 minutes

2 assignments Total 60 minutes

Lesson 1: Knowledge Check 30 minutes
Lesson 2 Knowledge Check 30 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 videos Total 89 minutes

Module 2 Overview 1 minute
Following Along 7 minutes
Using ArcGIS Pro to Explore Data - Part 1 6 minutes
Using ArcGIS Pro to Explore Data - Part 2 6 minutes
Using ArcGIS Pro to Explore Data - Part 3 7 minutes
Viewing and Changing Layer Properties - Part 1 6 minutes
Viewing and Changing Layer Properties - Part 2 6 minutes
Viewing and Changing Layer Properties - Part 3 5 minutes
Using Feature Classes and Attribute Tables - Part 1 7 minutes
Using Feature Classes and Attribute Tables - Part 2 6 minutes
Using Feature Classes and Attribute Tables - Part 3 6 minutes
Selections 7 minutes
An Introduction to Projections 9 minutes
Geoprocessing, Environment Settings, and Spatial Joins - Part 1 3 minutes
Geoprocessing, Environment Settings, and Spatial Joins - Part 2 4 minutes
Geoprocessing, Environment Settings, and Spatial Joins - Part 3 2 minutes
Assignment 2 Overview 1 minute

2 readings Total 210 minutes

How to Install ArcGIS Pro 30 minutes
Practice Assignment: Introduction to ArcMap (Part 2) 180 minutes

3 assignments Total 127 minutes

Introduction to ArcGIS Pro - Guided Practice 90 minutes
Lesson 3 Knowledge Check 30 minutes
Lesson 4 Knowledge Check 7 minutes

1 app item Total 5 minutes

Getting Your Copy of ArcGIS Pro 5 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 15 minutes

Spatial Joins 15 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 videos Total 106 minutes

Module 3 Overview 1 minute
Finding Common Datasets 7 minutes
Using Layout View to Make Maps - Part 1 7 minutes
Using Layout View to Make Maps - Part 2 7 minutes
Using Map Elements - Part 1 6 minutes
Using Map Elements - Part 2 6 minutes
Using Map Elements - Part 3 5 minutes
Using Map Elements - Part 4 5 minutes
Symbology: Changing How Your Data Looks 5 minutes
Symbology Examples 8 minutes
Setting Up Symbology in ArcGIS Pro - Part 1 6 minutes
Setting Up Symbology in ArcGIS Pro - Part 2 7 minutes
Setting Up Symbology in ArcGIS Pro - Part 3 5 minutes
Labeling Map Features - Part 1 7 minutes
Labeling Map Features - Part 2 6 minutes
Labeling Map Features - Part 3 6 minutes
Making Map Books - Part 1 6 minutes
Making Map Books - Part 2 6 minutes
Assignment 3 Overview 1 minute

1 reading Total 180 minutes

Practice Assignment: Laying Out and Exporting Maps 180 minutes

2 assignments Total 60 minutes

Lesson 5 Quiz 30 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 videos Total 64 minutes

Module 4 Overview 2 minutes
Using Metadata to Document Data Products 7 minutes
Creating and Uploading Packages with ArcGIS Pro - Part 1 5 minutes
Creating and Uploading Packages with ArcGIS Pro - Part 2 5 minutes
Creating and Uploading Packages with ArcGIS Pro - Part 3 5 minutes
Importing Map Packages 5 minutes
Choosing a Data Format - Part 1 4 minutes
Choosing a Data Format - Part 2 5 minutes
Joins and Relates - Part 1 4 minutes
Joins and Relates - Part 2 6 minutes
Joins and Relates - Part 3 4 minutes
Troubleshooting ArcGIS Pro - Part 1 4 minutes
Troubleshooting ArcGIS Pro - Part 2 5 minutes
Practice Assignment Overview 2 minutes
Course Summary 1 minute

1 reading Total 120 minutes

Area Impacted by Wildfire Assignment Instructions 120 minutes

2 assignments Total 60 minutes

Lesson 7 Quiz 30 minutes
Lesson 8 Quiz 30 minutes

1 peer review Total 60 minutes

Practice Assignment: Wildfire Impacted Areas 60 minutes

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Instructor

Instructor ratings

(1,241 ratings)

Eric Howard

University of California, Davis

5 Courses 213,759 learners

Offered by

University of California, Davis

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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 Sep 29, 2024

The Coursera team has to be more clear on the licensing of ArcGIS and mention it upfront regarding the associated accounts. I was overwhelmed by the experience! This is something close of my heart!

Reviewed on Feb 1, 2022

Absolutely incredibly well-designed course for anyone who is looking to learn the fundamentals of GIS. The knowledge and insights provided in the course are well delivered. Well-deserved 5 stars.

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