In today's globalized world, effective communication among countries and international agencies relies on transferable and compatible technical data. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provide industry-standard technology and file formats essential for data standardization. GIS integrates graphic software tools and relational data types, widely used by professionals in fields like urban planning, property appraisal, environmental management, and emergency response. It combines vector data (points, lines, polygons) and raster data (remote sensing data with GPS coordinates) to offer powerful decision-making tools for various projects.
This course is intended for team leaders, supervisors, and managers overseeing individuals and teams, as well as academia and technical staff being trained in the latest GIS tools and data. It also targets staff and managers working in technical areas where maps are integral to their functions.
Participants should have a basic understanding of cartography, cardinal points, coordinate systems, and Windows GUI. A spatially oriented mindset and some knowledge of geography are also recommended.
By the end of this course, learners will acquire essential concepts of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), identify and analyze various GIS data types and the roles of GIS professionals, apply these concepts to real-world decision-making scenarios, and explore GIS data available in public access databases across different geographic levels.
This course introduces Geographic Information Systems (GIS), a crucial technology for global communication and data standardization. GIS combines vector data (points, lines, polygons) and raster data (remote sensing with GPS coordinates) to support diverse fields like urban planning, environmental management, and emergency response.
What's included
16 videos4 readings2 assignments
Show info about module content
16 videos•Total 118 minutes
Introduction to the Course & Meet Your Instructor•3 minutes
Fundamentals of GIS •7 minutes
RGIS Online: A Hands-On Demo•11 minutes
Examples of Geographic Information Systems in Real-Life Scenarios and the Concept of “Layers” •12 minutes
Classification of Spatial Data, Remote Sensing •7 minutes
Use of Aerial Devices for Remote Sensing •10 minutes
Exploring Top Software and Open Data Hubs •8 minutes
Exploring GIS Data: From Monuments in Hong Kong to Global Open Data Hub•7 minutes
Spatial Analysis Tools •5 minutes
Navigating Miami-Dade's Open Data Hub and Global Resources•9 minutes
Creating and Updating GIS Data, GIS Metadata •6 minutes
Decision Making Process by Using GIS Tools and Data •5 minutes
GIS: Real-World Applications and Careers •9 minutes
Key Considerations and Real-World Examples while using GIS•11 minutes
Real-Time Solutions for Urban Planning and Emergency Management•4 minutes
Congratulations and Continuous Learning Journey•4 minutes
4 readings•Total 25 minutes
Welcome to the Course: Course Overview•5 minutes
Understanding GIS Core Concepts and Data Classification•10 minutes
Exploring GIS Applications and Datasets Across Industries and Regions•5 minutes
Applying GIS Tools for Effective Change Detection and Decision-Making•5 minutes
Coursera brings together a diverse network of subject matter experts who have demonstrated their expertise through professional industry experience or strong academic backgrounds. These instructors design and teach courses that make practical, career-relevant skills accessible to learners worldwide.
What does using GIS for decision-making mean in this course?
In this course, using GIS for decision-making means turning geographic data into a structured view of places, patterns, and changes so you can answer location-based questions. The emphasis is on working with layers, spatial data types, and remote sensing inputs to support practical decisions rather than simply displaying a map.
When would you use GIS for decision-making?
You would use it when a question depends on where things are, how locations relate to each other, or how an area changes over time. The course frames this as useful for planning, environmental management, and emergency-response questions that rely on spatial information.
How does GIS for decision-making fit into a broader workflow?
It fits after a problem has been defined and geographic data has been gathered, but before a final decision or action is made. In the course, GIS is treated as the stage where layers, attributes, and spatial relationships are brought together into a structured analysis.
How is GIS for decision-making different from working with a static map?
Working with a static map mainly shows information, while GIS for decision-making lets you combine layers, inspect data, and analyze relationships between places. This course focuses on maps as working data, not just as finished visuals.
Do you need any prerequisites before learning GIS for decision-making?
A basic understanding of cartography, cardinal directions, coordinate systems, and the Windows graphical interface is helpful before you start. It also helps to be comfortable reading maps and thinking spatially, since the course builds on those skills.
What tools, platforms, or methods are used in this course?
The course includes a hands-on look at ArcGIS Online and also discusses licensed and open-source GIS software. The main methods are working with vector and raster layers and using common spatial analysis tools.
What specific tasks will you practice or complete in this course?
You’ll identify vector and raster data, organize map layers, explore public GIS databases, and apply common spatial tools to location-based questions. You’ll also practice checking metadata and remote sensing inputs so your analysis is based on reliable geographic information.