Fundamentals of GIS

  • 4.8
Approx. 31 hours to complete

Course Summary

This course provides an introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and their applications in various fields such as urban planning, environmental management, and emergency services.

Key Learning Points

  • Learn the fundamentals of GIS technology
  • Explore different GIS applications
  • Gain hands-on experience using GIS software

Related Topics for further study


Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the basic principles of GIS technology
  • Be able to apply GIS software to solve real-world problems
  • Create maps and perform spatial analyses

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

  • Basic computer skills
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Excel

Course Difficulty Level

Beginner

Course Format

  • Online
  • Self-paced

Similar Courses

  • GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality
  • GIS, Mapping, and Spatial Analysis
  • GIS for Environmental Applications

Related Education Paths


Related Books

Description

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:

Knowledge

  • 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

Outline

  • Course Introduction and Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
  • Course Overview
  • Course Mechanics
  • Module 1 Overview
  • Why GIS is Awesome
  • What is GIS?
  • A First Look at Using Desktop GIS
  • GIS Terminology to Know
  • Tour of ArcMap
  • Data Representation in GIS
  • Desktop GIS Software Packages
  • Getting Help with GIS
  • Relevant Skills for the GIS Analyst
  • ArcGIS Desktop Licensing and Authorization
  • ArcGIS Desktop Installation Instructions
  • How Assignments Work in this Course
  • Module 1 Summary
  • Glossary of Terms
  • Resources and Help for GIS
  • ArcGIS Installation for Desktop
  • Troubleshooting ArcGIS Installation Problems
  • Assignment 1: Introduction to ArcMap (Part 1)
  • Extra Practice: Getting to Know ArcGIS
  • Lesson 1 Quiz
  • Lesson 2 Quiz
  • ArcGIS Basics
  • Module 2 Overview
  • Using ArcMap to Explore Data
  • Viewing and Changing Layer Properties
  • Using Feature Classes and Attribute Tables
  • Select By Attribute and Calculate Geometry
  • Select by Location
  • An Introduction to Projections
  • Analyzing Data with Geoprocessing Tools
  • Setting Environment Variables
  • Assessing Spatial Relationships with the Spatial Join Tool
  • Assignment 2 Overview
  • Module 2 Summary
  • Assignment 2: Introduction to ArcMap (Part 2)
  • Extra Practice: Maps, Geoprocessing, and Projections
  • Lesson 3 Quiz
  • Lesson 4 Quiz
  • Making Maps With Common Datasets
  • Module 3 Overview
  • Finding Common Datasets
  • Using Layout View to Make Maps
  • Core Map Elements
  • Symbology: Changing How Your Data Looks
  • Symbology Examples
  • Setting Up Symbology in ArcGIS
  • Labeling Map Features
  • Making Map Books
  • Assignment 3 Overview
  • Module 3 Summary
  • Assignment 3: Laying Out and Exporting Maps
  • Extra Practice: Maps, Maps, Maps!
  • Lesson 5 Quiz
  • Lesson 6 Quiz
  • Retrieving and Sharing Data
  • Module 4 Overview
  • Using Metadata to Document Data Products
  • Sharing Data: Making and Using Map Packages
  • Sharing Maps: Uploading Packages to ArcGIS Online
  • Sharing Data: Creating Layer Files and Layer Packages
  • Choosing a Data Format
  • Joins and Relates
  • Troubleshooting ArcGIS
  • Module 4 Summary
  • Assignment 4 (Peer Review) Overview
  • Course Summary
  • Extra Practice: Make your own data
  • Electoral Politics Assignment Instructions
  • Before you Go, Join a Community!
  • Acknowledgements
  • Lesson 7 Quiz
  • Lesson 8 Quiz
  • Coursera and UC Davis Honor Code Acknowledgement
  • Electoral Politics Results Quiz

Summary of User Reviews

GIS is a highly rated course on Coursera that covers Geographic Information Systems. Many users have praised the course for its practical approach that emphasizes real-world applications.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

practical approach that emphasizes real-world applications

Pros from User Reviews

  • Clear and concise explanations of concepts
  • Excellent use of real-world examples and case studies
  • Engaging and interactive course materials
  • Helpful feedback and support from instructors
  • Great for beginners and those with some prior knowledge

Cons from User Reviews

  • Some users found the course content to be too basic
  • Course assignments can be time-consuming
  • Lack of personal interaction with instructors and other students
  • Some technical issues with the online platform
  • Not suitable for advanced GIS users
English
Available now
Approx. 31 hours to complete
Nick Santos
University of California, Davis
Coursera

Instructor

Nick Santos

  • 4.8 Raiting
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