Explore the best online geographic information systems courses
Geographic information systems (GIS) use spatial analysis and data visualization to solve complex, real-world problems. Explore flexible online GIS courses from edX to build career-ready skills.
Key takeaways
- Geographic information systems courses help learners build practical skills in spatial analysis, geographic data management, mapping, and data analytics.
- Fields such as environmental studies, urban planning, emergency response management, and natural resource management use GIS.
- Online GIS courses through edX can help you develop practical skills using industry-relevant GIS technologies.
Popular geographic information systems courses
What are geographic information systems (GIS)?
Geographic information systems (GIS) are technology platforms that collect, analyze, visualize, and manage location-based data. Professionals use GIS to create interactive maps, identify geographic patterns, and support data-driven decisions in fields such as urban planning, environmental science, public health, and emergency management.
Learning GIS can help you build spatial analysis skills and understand how location data informs decisions that affect communities, infrastructure, and natural resources.
Why learn geographic information systems?
- Technical skills: Develop practical skills in spatial analysis, digital mapping, geographic data management, and GIS software used across industries.
- Data-driven decision-making: Learn how to transform geographic data into actionable insights that support planning, resource management, and business decisions.
- Career versatility: GIS skills are valuable in environmental science, urban planning, transportation, emergency management, public health, and many other fields.
Browse online geographic information systems certificates
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Certificates
What can you do with GIS skills?
GIS skills support careers in mapping, surveying, environmental science, urban planning, and geographic research. Depending on your education and experience, you may pursue roles such as the following.
Geographer
Geographers collect and evaluate geographic data using GIS and other techniques.
- Required education: Bachelor's degree
- Median annual salary (2024): $97,200
Geographer
Geographers collect and evaluate geographic data using GIS and other techniques.
- Required education: Bachelor's degree
- Median annual salary (2024): $97,200
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How to get started with geographic information systems
How can you get started with GIS? Our roadmap walks through the online courses you can take through edX to develop your GIS skills.
1. Build your geospatial science foundation
Start by learning the fundamentals of geography, cartography, remote sensing, and spatial data. These core concepts provide the foundation for using GIS software and interpreting geographic information in professional settings.
Featured courses
1. Build your geospatial science foundation
Start by learning the fundamentals of geography, cartography, remote sensing, and spatial data. These core concepts provide the foundation for using GIS software and interpreting geographic information in professional settings.