Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialization

Map Your World With GIS. Explore the tools, concepts, and terminology of spatial analysis and modeling

About This Specialization

Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is an increasingly sought after skill in industries from agriculture to public health. This Specialization, offered in partnership with ArcGIS developer Esri, will teach the skills you need to successfully use GIS software in a professional setting. You will learn how to analyze your spatial data, use cartography techniques to communicate your results in maps, and collaborate with peers in GIS and GIS-dependent fields. In the final Capstone Project, you will create a professional-quality GIS portfolio piece using a combination of data identification and collection, analytical map development, and spatial analysis techniques.

Created by:

Industry Partners:

5 courses

Follow the suggested order or choose your own.

Projects

Designed to help you practice and apply the skills you learn.

Certificates

Highlight your new skills on your resume or LinkedIn.

Courses

Beginner Specialization.: No prior experience required.

COURSE 1
Fundamentals of GIS
Commitment
4 weeks of study, 3-5 hours/week
Subtitles
English
About the 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 g
You can choose to take this course only. Learn more.
COURSE 2
GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality
Commitment
4 weeks of study, 2-3 hours/week
Subtitles
English
About the Course
In this course, the second in the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialization, you will go in-depth with common data types (such as raster and vector data), structures, quality and storage during four week-long modules: Week 1: Lea
You can choose to take this course only. Learn more.
COURSE 3
Geospatial and Environmental Analysis
Commitment
4 weeks of study, 3-4 hours/week
Subtitles
English
About the Course
Apply your GIS knowledge in this course on geospatial analysis, focusing on analysis tools, 3D data, working with rasters, projections, and environment variables. Through all four weeks of this course, we'll work through a project together - somethin
You can choose to take this course only. Learn more.
COURSE 4
Imagery, Automation, and Applications
Subtitles
English
About the Course
Welcome to the last course of the specialization (unless your continuing on to the capstone project, of course!). Using the knowledge you’ve learned about ArcGIS, complete technical tasks such raster calculations and suitability analysis.
You can choose to take this course only. Learn more.
COURSE 5
Geospatial Analysis Project
Upcoming session: Nov 19
Commitment
4-8 weeks of study in 4 milestones - each milestone should take 10-20 hours of effort.
Subtitles
English
About the Course
In this project-based course, you will design and execute a complete GIS-based analysis – from identifying a concept, question or issue you wish to develop, all the way to final data products and maps that you can add to your portfolio. Your completed
You can choose to take this course only. Learn more.

Creators

University of California, Davis
UC Davis, one of the nation’s top-ranked research universities, is a global leader in agriculture, veterinary medicine, sustainability, environmental and biological sciences, and technology. With four colleges and six professional schools, UC Davis and its students and alumni are known for their academic excellence, meaningful public service and profound international impact.

Nick Santos
Geospatial Applications Researcher

FAQs

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.