The 3 Best GIS Certification and Courses
Top 3 GIS Certification Programs
These days, more and more companies are embracing geospatial and GIS technology in order to compete. In order to meet the constant demand for spatial data, universities and education providers are launching new GIS certification programs. In this article, we will take a look at some of the current GIS certification programs available and how you can prepare for them.
Our Top Picks
1. Professional Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Essentials (University of Alaska)
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a growing and increasingly important field. In order to stay competitive in the GIS field, you will need to have a strong understanding of GIS fundamentals as well as specific competencies. The Geographic Information Systems Essentials Certificate program will help you do just that.
The program covers the necessary essentials of this exciting field. You will learn about working with geospatial data, spatial analysis, map design, computer mapping software like ArcGIS Pro, and much more. In addition to learning core concepts and tools of GIS, you will enhance your analytical skills by completing hands-on projects with hands-on projects designed by professionals.
Courses
- GIS Foundations – GIS professionals use geospatial technologies to solve problems and make better decisions. This GIS Foundation course is a great way to get the basics of GIS and geospatial technologies under your belt with skills in querying, visualization, and understanding spatial relationships.
- 3D GIS – Take your maps into the third dimension and learn how to visualize, analyze, and interpret spatial data in 3D. This course includes an introduction to GIS concepts and tools to create stunning visualizations of geographic information.
- GIS Image Analysis in ArcGIS Pro – This course will help you learn the fundamentals of remote sensing, image analysis, and image processing and use that knowledge in ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online.
Skills Acquired
INFORMATION: The Professional Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Essentials contains 3 skill-building courses during a 3-month timeframe.
2. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialization (UC Davis)
Master the concepts and use the tools to solve spatial problems in the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialization at UC Davis. During this program, you will learn about the latest techniques and how to apply GIS to your specific needs.
First, you’ll learn about the fundamentals of GIS and then learn about GIS formats and data quality. Next, this program will introduce you to geospatial analysis and applications for imagery and automation. Finally, you’ll put your skills to the test with a geospatial analysis project involving map production, workflow design, and more.
Courses
- Fundamentals of GIS – Gain an understanding of Geographic Information Systems. This includes theory, tools, and applications so that you can be ready to work with your own spatial analysis and modeling projects.
- GIS Data Formats, Design, and Quality – Learn about the different GIS data formats, how to design and quality control your GIS data, and how to produce high-quality maps. This course focuses on raster and vector data with an introduction to ArcGIS Online.
- Geospatial and Environmental Analysis – Learn about the most essential geospatial and environmental analysis tools so you can gain data-driven insights including 3D.
- Imagery, Automation, and Applications – This course introduces you to remote sensing data and the applications of imagery. You’ll work with algorithms such as NDVI and with digital elevation models. Finally, this course will teach you automation tools like ModelBuilder to develop complex workflows.
- Geospatial Analysis Project – Build a GIS project that involves geospatial data analysis and map creation. Customize your project to meet your specific needs and requirements by developing a workflow design.
Skills Acquired
INFORMATION: This beginner-friendly program takes approximately 6 months to complete.
3. GIS, Mapping, and Spatial Analysis Specialization (University of Toronto)
Learn all you need to know to create quality maps and process GIS data that answer geographic questions. The GIS, Mapping, and Spatial Analysis Specialization is a beginner-friendly 4-course program developed by the University of Toronto.
Throughout the program, you will learn about spatial analysis, map design, and satellite imagery. The program finishes with a capstone project where you write a proposal on a GIS topic of your choice.
Courses
- Introduction to GIS – Get your feet wet in mapping with this introductory course. This GIS mapping course will teach you what you need to know to create accurate maps and perform data editing.
- GIS Data Acquisition and Map Design – From creating custom maps to acquiring and mapping public data, this course will teach you various topics like geocoding, metadata, and cartography.
- Spatial Analysis and Satellite Imagery – In this course, you will use GIS mapping to analyze your data to find patterns and trends. Additionally, you will learn about satellite imagery and the power of automation with ModelBuilder.
- GIS, Mapping, Spatial Analysis Capstone – Put all the skills you’ve learned from this program together in a capstone project. Plan out your own topic and assemble your work in an Esri story map.
Skills Acquired
INFORMATION: This beginner-friendly program takes approximately 6 months to complete.