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Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Online Courses 2025: Fees, Platforms, Eligibility & Jobs

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Durgesh Kashyap • 7 Mins read • 15 Sep 25
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Online CoursesGeographic Information Systems (GIS) Online Courses

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) online courses are available on Coursera, edX, Udemy, Alison, FutureLearn, Swayam (NPTEL) and Esri. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Geographic Information Systems (GIS) online courses duration is from a few hours to 6-12 months or 1-2 year diplomas. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) online courses range from free ₹649-₹1000 for basic courses and range up to ₹40,000-₹4 lakhs for advanced diplomas.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) online courses are available to everyone at an introductory level. For most advanced-level or diploma programs, you typically require a bachelor's degree in Geography, Environmental Sciences, Computer Sciences, Engineering, or related disciplines. Potential careers following Geographic Information Systems (GIS) online courses would include GIS Analyst, Remote Sensing Specialist, Cartographer, Urban Planner and Geospatial Data Scientist. Salary for entry-level GIS Analysts is ₹3-₹6 LPA, while salaries for experienced professionals will be in excess of ₹10-₹20+ LPA.


Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Online Courses: Quick Highlights

The table below provides a quick highlight of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) online courses, including platforms, duration, eligibility, career options and salary ranges.

Particulars 

Details

Platforms

  • Coursera
  • edX
  • Udemy
  • Alison
  • FutureLearn
  • Swayam (NPTEL)
  • Esri

Duration

A few hours to 6–12 months or 1–2 year diplomas

Fees

Free / ₹649–₹1,000 for basic courses; ₹40,000–₹4,00,000+ for advanced diplomas

Eligibility

Open for all (basic), Bachelor’s degree for advanced

Careers

  • GIS Analyst
  • Remote Sensing Specialist
  • Cartographer
  • Urban Planner
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Geospatial Data Scientist

Salary Range

  • Entry-level: ₹3–₹6 LPA
  • Experienced: ₹10–₹20+ LPA


Best Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Online Courses

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) online courses cover subjects such as mapping, remote sensing, cartography, spatial analysis and geospatial data science. The online Geographic Information Systems (GIS) courses are available on Coursera, edX, Udemy, Alison, FutureLearn, Swayam (NPTEL) and Esri, and are meaningful for geography students, environmental science learners, urban planners, IT professionals and researchers in geospatial technology.


Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Online Courses: Coursera

The table below provides details of the top Geographic Information Systems (GIS) online courses available on Coursera, including course name, trainer, duration, fee and ratings.

Course Name

Trainer Name

Duration

Fee

Ratings (Out of 5)

GIS, Mapping, and Spatial Analysis

University of Toronto

2 months

Free to audit; paid certificate

4.9

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialization

University of California, Davis

2 months

Free to audit; paid certificate

4.8

Fundamentals of GIS

University of California, Davis

3 weeks

Free to audit; paid certificate

4.8

Imagery, Automation, and Applications

University of California, Davis

4 weeks

Free to audit; paid certificate

4.6

Geospatial and Environmental Analysis

University of California, Davis

1 week

Free to audit; paid certificate

4.5


Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Online Courses: Udemy

The table below provides details of the top Geographic Information Systems (GIS) online courses available on Udemy, including course name, trainer, duration, fee and ratings.

Course Name

Trainer Name

Duration

Fee

Ratings (Out of 5)

Spatial Data Analysis with R, QGIS, and PostGIS

Minerva Singh

13 hours

₹519-₹679

4.7

GIS in QGIS 3 for beginners

Olawale Akinbode

10.5 hours

₹519-₹699

4.4

ArcGIS: From Beginner To Pro

Joseph K. Nyongesa

6 hours

₹519-₹699

4.3

MEGA Machine Learning in GIS & Remote Sensing: 5 Courses in1

Minerva Singh

8.5 hours

₹519-₹699

4.2

Complete Remote Sensing and GIS - ArcGIS - Erdas

Lakhwinder Singh

11 hours

₹519-₹609

4.1


Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Online Courses: edX

The table below provides details of the top Geographic Information Systems (GIS) online courses available on edX, including course name, trainer, duration, fee and ratings.

Course Name

Trainer Name

Duration

Fee

Ratings (Out of 5)

Spatial Data Science and Applications

Yonsei University

6 weeks

Free to audit; ₹7,000–₹8,500 for certificate

4.5

Geospatial Analysis

University of California, Davis

5 weeks

Free to audit; ₹7,000–₹8,500 for certificate

4.4

GIS in QGIS 3 for Beginners

Krzysztof Raczynski

10.5 hours

Free to audit; ₹3,500–₹4,500 for certificate

4.4

ArcGIS: From Beginner to Pro

Zahed Zisan

5 hours 51 minutes

Free to audit; ₹3,500–₹4,500 for certificate

4.3

GIS Foundations

University of Toronto

4 weeks

Free to audit; ₹7,500–₹9,000 for certificate

4.3


Top Indian Colleges Providing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Online Courses

The table below lists the leading Indian universities and institutions offering Geographic Information Systems (GIS) online courses, along with their course names, duration and approximate fees.

Course Name

University / Institution

Duration

Fee (Approx.)

PG Diploma in Remote Sensing & GIS

Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi

1 year

₹25,000–₹35,000

M.Tech in Geoinformatics

University of Madras, Chennai

21 year

₹60,000–₹80,000

PG Diploma in Geoinformatics

Bangalore University

1 year

₹30,000–₹45,000

Certificate in GIS & Remote Sensing

CADCAM Academy, Bhubaneswar

4–6 months

₹15,000–₹25,000

M.Sc. in Remote Sensing and GIS

Kumaun University, Almora

2 years

₹40,000–₹60,000


Free Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Online Courses

Below is a table of free Geographic Information Systems (GIS) online courses offered from leading universities and platforms, including the duration of the course and the main topics covered.

Course Name

Provider

Duration

Description

Fundamentals of GIS

Coursera (UC Davis)

3 weeks

Basics of GIS, ArcGIS fundamentals, spatial analysis, map production, data sharing

Esri MOOCs (Various Courses)

Esri

4–6 weeks

Spatial analysis, spatial data science, imagery, cartography, JavaScript for web applications and Python scripting of GIS applications

Free GIS Courses

Alison

Varies by course

Digital mapping, data interpretation, physical map interpretation

Learn GIS

edX

Varies by course

GIS basics, advanced GIS topics, industry topics

QGIS for Beginners

Udemy

1h 27m

Spatial analysis, data management, cartography and remote sensing


Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Online Courses Free with Certificate

Below is a table of Free Geographic Information Systems (GIS) online courses with certificates offered from leading universities and platforms, including the duration of the course and the main topics covered.

Course Name

Provider

Duration

Description

GIS Specialization

Coursera (UC Davis)

2 months

GIS Data Formats, Spatial Analysis with ArcGIS, Mapping, Real World GIS Applications

Fundamentals of GIS

Coursera (UC Davis)

3 weeks

Introduction to GIS, ArcGIS Basics, Spatial Analysis, Map Making, and Data Sharing

GIS Foundations

edX (University of Alaska Fairbanks)

4 weeks

Basics of GIS, Spatial Data Models, Map Making, Data Visualization

Free GIS Courses

Alison

Varies by course

Digital Mapping, Spatial Data Analysis, Map Interpretation (physical maps)

GIS Image Analysis in ArcGIS Pro

edX (University of Alaska Fairbanks)

4 weeks

Image analysis, ArcGIS Pro tools, spatial data analysis and environmental monitoring. 


Eligibility Criteria for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Online Courses

Online GIS courses are usually available to everyone. Most beginner courses assume that you have basic computer skills, while intermediate or advanced courses may have a recommendation that you have prior exposure to geography, GIS software, or programming. In most cases, no formal degree or work experience is usually required.


Why is it Important to Learn Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Online Courses in 2025?

Completing an online GIS course will help you learn the skills to analyze and visualize spatial information, allowing you to help inform decision-making in a variety of fields, including urban planning, environment, agriculture, and emergency management. As the demand for GIS professionals continues to increase, and many online courses are offered in a flexible way, acquiring a GIS skill set is a valuable asset regardless of what kind of work you want to do in the future.

  • Learning how to analyze and visualize spatial data.
  • High demand across multiple industries.
  • Helps with smart decision-making.
  • Online courses provide flexible, self-paced learning.
  • Career opportunities can be lucrative.


What Job Opportunities are available after completing the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Online Courses?

The table below shows popular job profiles in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) online courses along with their average annual salary (₹).

Job Profiles

Average Annual Salary ()

GIS Analyst

₹3.62 Lakh

GIS Developer

₹7.06 Lakh

GIS Technician

₹8.75 Lakh

GIS Consultant

₹19.60 Lakh

GIS Specialist

₹5.56 Lakh


Also Check: 

Top Geographic Information Systems-Related Online Courses 

Environmental Science Online Courses

Data Analytics Online Courses


Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Online Courses: FAQs


Ques: What are Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Online Courses?

Ans: GIS (Geographic Information Systems) is a technology that processes and manages spatial or geographic information, whether for collecting, analyzing, or visualizing such information. The use of GIS is applicable to a variety of tasks, including mapping, urban planning, environmental monitoring, and decision making.


Ques: Who can take Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Online Courses?

Ans: Courses at the beginner level are available to everyone. However, advanced or diploma or certificate courses of study may require an undergraduate degree in geography, environmental science, computer science, engineering, or other relevant disciplines.


Ques: Where can I find Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Online Courses?

Ans: Some possible platforms include Coursera, edX, Udemy, Alison, FutureLearn, Swayam (NPTEL) and Esri.


Ques: What are the potential career options after taking Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Online Courses? 

Ans: There are many popular jobs in the field, like GIS Analyst, GIS Developer, GIS Technician, GIS Consultant, GIS Specialist, Remote Sensing Specialist, Cartographer, Urban Planner, Environmental Consultant, and Geospatial Data Scientist. 


Ques: Are there any free Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Online Courses with certificates?

Ans: Yes. Free courses with certificates are available on platforms like Coursera, edX, Alison, and Esri, and will cover the basics of GIS, Spatial Analysis, and ArcGIS/QGIS tools.