About 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.

Created by: University of California, Davis

Taught by: Nick Santos, Geospatial Applications Researcher
Center for Watershed Sciences

Basic Info	Course 1 of 5 in the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialization.
Commitment	4 weeks of study, 3-5 hours/week
Language	English
How To Pass	Pass all graded assignments to complete the course.
User Ratings	4.8 stars Average User Rating 4.8See what learners said

Syllabus

WEEK 1

Course Introduction and Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

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 and identify key elements in the interface, and define core geospatial concepts and terminology. In Section 2, we will di...

14 videos, 6 readings

Graded: Lesson 1 Quiz

Graded: Lesson 2 Quiz

WEEK 2

ArcGIS Basics

In this module, 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 know...

12 videos, 2 readings

Graded: Lesson 3 Quiz

Graded: Lesson 4 Quiz

WEEK 3

Making Maps With Common Datasets

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 mappi...

11 videos, 2 readings

Graded: Lesson 5 Quiz

Graded: Lesson 6 Quiz

WEEK 4

Retrieving and Sharing Data

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 dat...

11 videos, 3 readings

Graded: Lesson 7 Quiz

Graded: Lesson 8 Quiz

Graded: Assignment 4: Electoral Politics (Peer Review - Required)

FAQs

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Coursework

Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.

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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.

Pricing

	Audit	Purchase Course
Access to course materials	Available	Available
Access to graded materials	Not available	Available
Receive a final grade	Not available	Available
Earn a shareable Course Certificate	Not available	Available

Ratings and Reviews

Rated 4.8 out of 5 of 917 ratings

A pretty decent introduction to ArcGIS. I have no complaints about the material! However, as an online course, it is a little boring.

really good

Gran curso, permite introducirse al mundo de plataformas GIS sin tener conocimiento alguno. Además, entrega las herramientas técnicas para utilización de nivel básico del software ArcGIS el cual es estándar en la industrial.

Very good course, neat information, great case studies. Would suit a complete beginner.

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