So glad I took this! It provided a solid foundation and the examples were super helpful. Definitely got my money's worth.
GIS Foundations: Spatial Analysis and Mapping with ArcGIS Pro
Learn core geographic information systems concepts and build essential mapping and spatial analysis skills using ArcGIS Pro.
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About this course
Geographic data is everywhere, shaping how we understand urban planning, environmental conservation, and logistics. To unlock its power, you need to understand how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) store, analyze, and visualize spatial relationships.
This text-based course guides you from absolute beginner to confidently navigating spatial data. You will start with core geographic concepts before learning how to structure spatial databases, perform foundational vector and raster analyses, and design clear, professional maps using modern ArcGIS Pro workflows.
What you'll learn:
- Understand core GIS concepts, coordinate systems, map projections, and spatial data models.
- Navigate the modern ArcGIS Pro interface to manage spatial databases and layers.
- Perform essential spatial analysis using vector and raster data processing tools.
- Design professional, readable maps applying fundamental cartographic design principles.
- Share spatial data and web maps using modern web GIS workflows.
You will start with fundamental spatial terminology and coordinate systems before moving into hands-on database management and cartographic design. Through written explanations and structured exercises, you will build a solid foundation in modern GIS workflows.
This course is designed for beginners with no prior GIS or mapping experience who want to build a strong foundation in spatial analysis.
Start exploring the power of spatial data and begin your GIS journey today.
Course contents
6 modules · 30 lessons · 3h
1
Module 1: The Building Blocks of GIS
Understand what GIS is and how it represents the real world digitally.
- What is GIS?
GIS is a framework for gathering, managing, and analyzing spatial data to solve problems.6 min - Spatial Data Models: Vector vs. Raster
Geographic data is stored either as discrete shapes (vector) or continuous grids (raster).6 min - Points, Lines, and Polygons
Vector data uses coordinates to define specific locations, paths, and areas.6 min - The Power of Pixels: Raster Data
Raster data represents the world through a grid of cells, ideal for imagery and surfaces.6 min - Attributes: The Non-Spatial Side
Every spatial feature has a table of information (attributes) that describes it.6 min
2
Module 2: Location and Interface
Master the ArcGIS Pro environment and understand how location is defined.
- Geographic Coordinate Systems (GCS)
A GCS uses a 3D spherical surface to define locations on the earth using degrees.6 min - Projected Coordinate Systems (PCS)
Projections flatten the 3D earth onto a 2D map, inevitably causing some distortion.6 min - Navigating the ArcGIS Pro Interface
The ribbon, panes, and views are the primary ways to interact with your GIS project.6 min - Project Files and the Catalog
ArcGIS Pro organizes work into Projects (.aprx) and manages files via the Catalog pane.6 min - Managing Layers and the Contents Pane
The Contents pane controls the drawing order and visibility of your spatial data layers.6 min
3
Module 3: Data Management and Creation
Learn how to store, import, and create new spatial data.
- The File Geodatabase
The geodatabase is the native folder-based format for storing spatial data in ArcGIS.6 min - Importing External Data
Learn how to bring Shapefiles, Excel tables, and CAD data into your GIS project.6 min - Creating New Features
Use editing tools to digitize new points, lines, and polygons from scratch.6 min - Editing Attribute Tables
Manually update and calculate values within the attribute table to keep data accurate.6 min - Understanding Metadata
Metadata provides essential documentation about who created the data and why.6 min
4
Module 4: Spatial Analysis Techniques
Perform analysis to solve spatial problems using vector and raster tools.
- Selection by Attributes and Location
Filter data based on specific criteria or where features are in relation to others.6 min - Proximity Analysis: Buffering
Create zones of a specific distance around features to identify nearby impacts.6 min - Overlay Analysis: Intersect and Union
Combine different layers to find where spatial features overlap and merge their data.6 min - Raster Analysis Basics
Perform cell-based calculations to analyze continuous data like elevation or temperature.6 min - Surface Analysis: Slope and Aspect
Derive new information from elevation models, such as steepness and direction.6 min - The Geoprocessing History
Track and rerun your analysis steps using the History pane to ensure reproducibility.6 min
5
Module 5: Cartography and Map Design
Transform raw data into professional, readable maps.
- Symbology: Visualizing Categories
Use colors and symbols to represent different types of data effectively.6 min - Labeling and Annotation
Add text to your map to identify features while maintaining readability.6 min - Creating a Map Layout
Transition from the map view to a layout view to prepare for printing or export.6 min - Essential Map Elements
Every professional map needs a title, legend, scale bar, and north arrow.6 min - Visual Hierarchy and Design
Apply design principles to guide the reader's eye to the most important information.6 min
6
Module 6: Sharing and Web GIS
Learn how to share your work with the world using modern web workflows.
- Introduction to ArcGIS Online
ArcGIS Online is a cloud-based platform for sharing and collaborating on spatial data.6 min - Publishing Web Layers
Upload your local data from ArcGIS Pro to the web as hosted feature layers.6 min - Creating an Interactive Web Map
Assemble your web layers into an interactive map that anyone can view in a browser.6 min - Exporting for Print and Digital
Finalize your project by exporting layouts to PDF or high-resolution images.6 min
Final project
Site Suitability Analysis and Web Map
You will identify the best location for a new city park by analyzing spatial constraints (vector), elevation (raster), and then design a professional print layout and an interactive web map to present your findings.
What you'll get
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Certificate of completion
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Audio version included
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Lifetime access
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Phone or computer
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14-day refund
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Short & focused
3h of practical content
Certificate of completion
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Certificate of Mastery
This certifies that
Name Surname
has successfully demonstrated mastery of
GIS Foundations: Spatial Analysis and Mapping with ArcGIS Pro
Skills demonstrated
✓
Behavioral pattern analysis
Foundational
1.2 hrs
✓
Decision-architecture frameworks
Proficient
1.4 hrs
✓
A/B test design
Proficient
1.7 hrs
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1.9 hrs
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GIS Foundations: Spatial Analysis and Mapping with ArcGIS Pro
Page 2 of 2
Performance detail
Coursework summary
Lessons completed
14 / 14
Practice questions
26 / 28
Assignments submitted
4 (avg 4.5 / 5)
Capstone project
Reviewed — 4.6 / 5
Total practice
6.2 hrs
Performance benchmark
Cohort rank
Top 12% of 1,625
Time to completion
11 days (median: 22)
Mastery score
91 / 100
Practice-question score
94%
Skill verification
Verified Skill Path
Reviews (8)
Brilliant course! The flow of information was perfect, and the examples really solidified the concepts. Loved it!
Good foundational course. Explained things clearly, but could have used more hands-on practice to solidify the learning.
Decent course for the price. It covered a lot of ground, though I wish there were more detailed explanations in a few areas.
Solid content and a good foundation. I liked the flow of the lessons, although a few topics could have benefited from more in-depth examples.
This course provided a solid foundation. The examples were useful, but the pace felt a bit uneven at times. Still, a good learning resource.
Pretty good foundation. The explanations were generally clear, and the structure made sense. I'd say it's a worthwhile course.
The course covers the basics, but I'm not sure how applicable it is for real-world scenarios. Needed more practical depth.
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Yes — full refund within 14 days, no questions asked.
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Forever. Once you purchase, the course is yours to revisit anytime.
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Yes. On completion you'll receive a certificate you can add to your LinkedIn profile.
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