GIS: Geographic Information Systems for Sustainability

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GIS: Geographic Information Systems for Sustainability

This course is part of Green Skills for a Sustainable and Just Future Specialization

Instructors: Kim Diver

2,402 already enrolled

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4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

19 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

19 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Learn how GIS are used for solving complex environmental and sustainability problems
Analyze spatial data to visualize and assess sustainability issues
Learn to engage stakeholders using geospatial visualizations
Gain insight on the importance of GIS for environmental decision-making

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

Geographic Information Systems

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

4 assignments

Taught in English

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This course is part of the Green Skills for a Sustainable and Just Future Specialization

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There are 4 modules in this course

The world is currently experiencing complex challenges in social, economic, and environmental sustainability. Geographic information systems (GIS) help us organize, analyze, and display large spatial datasets that reveal critical spatial and temporal patterns crucial for addressing these complex issues.

“GIS: Geographic Information Systems for Sustainability” is designed for sustainability professionals seeking an introduction to GIS that is accessible, geospatial professionals beginning to delve into sustainability, and learners needing some exposure to GIS for their job. Through this course, you’ll learn fundamental GIS principles through the lens of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. You’ll engage with instructor-led lectures about how GIS can be applied to various aspects of sustainability. You’ll hear from sustainability professionals about the relevance of GIS in their own work and where they see GIS and sustainability tying together in the future. You’ll also gain technical GIS skills through hands-on exercises using real-world data and scenarios. By learning how to use GIS, you can guide your organization to use spatial analysis in sustainability practices that increase public awareness, empower communities, or help decision-makers engage diverse stakeholders. This is the fourth course in “Green Skills for a Sustainable and Just Future," a course series dedicated to shaping the next generation of sustainable practices and leadership.

Welcome to Module 1. This module introduces the course, including the instructors and the layout of the course. You will learn what GIS is and how GIS can be used to monitor, identify, and assess sustainability issues. You will hear about the relevance of GIS to environmental sustainability efforts from guest interviewees. Through a demonstration video, you will be exposed to some leading GIS software applications. The Skill Building Exercises focus on orienting you to basic map functionality and discerning spatial patterns in real-world datasets.

What's included

5 videos11 readings1 assignment1 app item2 discussion prompts

5 videos Total 96 minutes

Course Introduction 2 minutes
Using GIS to Identify and Assess Sustainability Issues 13 minutes
Interview: Michael R. Moore 21 minutes
Interview: Lisa DuRussel 31 minutes
Software Demo 28 minutes

11 readings Total 155 minutes

Meet Your Instructors 5 minutes
Syllabus 10 minutes
Help Us Learn About You 10 minutes
Introducing Mapping for a Sustainable World 10 minutes
Mapping for a Sustainable World Section 1: SDGs & Geospatial Data 20 minutes
Recommended GIS Background and Note About GIS Software Tools 10 minutes
Timestamps for Software Demo Video 10 minutes
Introducing the Gamut Gallery 10 minutes
Introducing the Skill Building Activities 10 minutes
Module 1 Exercise 1 Skill Building Activity: Learning the Basics 30 minutes
Module 1 Exercise 2 Skill Building Activity: Attribute Tables 30 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Module 1 Quiz 30 minutes

1 app item Total 60 minutes

Module 1 Skill Building Activity Gamut Gallery 60 minutes

2 discussion prompts Total 20 minutes

Meet Your Fellow Global Learners 10 minutes
Section 1: SDGs & Geospatial Data 10 minutes

In Module 2, you will explore how GIS is used to identify trends and perform forecasting related to issues of sustainability. You will hear from two GIS professionals about the intersection of GIS and sustainability in their work. And you will learn about map design best practices, especially regarding which data to use and how to present data in ways that highlight patterns or trends. In the Skill Building Exercises, you will hone skills built in the previous module, gain proficiency with near real-time datasets, and analyze spatiotemporal trends through data filters.

What's included

3 videos3 readings1 assignment1 app item1 discussion prompt

3 videos Total 71 minutes

Using GIS to Identify Trends and Perform Forecasting 6 minutes
Interview: Derek Van Berkel 38 minutes
Interview: Sarah Collins 26 minutes

3 readings Total 105 minutes

Mapping for a Sustainable World Section 2: Map Design Considerations 20 minutes
Module 2 Exercise 1 Skill Building Activity: Explore Near Real-time Data 45 minutes
Module 2 Exercise 2 Skill Building Activity: Exploring Time Series Data 40 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Module 2 Quiz 30 minutes

1 app item Total 60 minutes

Module 2 Skill Building Activity Gamut Gallery 60 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 10 minutes

Section 2: Map Design Considerations 10 minutes

Module 3 introduces the utility of GIS to optimize planning and decision-making, implement sustainable solutions, and enhance community awareness. You will learn how different types of thematic maps can help visualize geographic data. You will hear from GIS professionals about the importance of GIS to their environmental sustainability research. In the Skill Building Exercise you will develop skills in multi-criteria analysis and suitability mapping using overlay analyses.

What's included

2 videos3 readings1 assignment1 app item1 discussion prompt

2 videos Total 33 minutes

Using GIS to Solve Multi-layered Issues and Optimize Decision Making 12 minutes
Interview: Neil Carter 21 minutes

3 readings Total 65 minutes

Mapping for a Sustainable World Section 3: Maps & Diagrams 30 minutes
Meet the Future in a Minute: Josh Newell & Meha Jain 5 minutes
Module 3 Exercise 1 Skill Building Activity: Overlay Analysis 30 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Module 3 Quiz 30 minutes

1 app item Total 60 minutes

Module 3 Skill Building Activity Gamut Gallery 60 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 10 minutes

Section 3: Maps & Diagrams 10 minutes

Module 4 emphasizes the utility of GIS to engage stakeholders, empower communities, and create compelling narratives. You will hear from sustainable leadership and GIS professionals about the relevance and future of GIS in sustainability engagement. You will learn about different map use environments. The Skill Building Exercises focus on how digital storytelling combined with spatial analyses through story maps can increase accessibility of complex sustainability issues.

What's included

4 videos4 readings1 assignment1 app item1 discussion prompt

4 videos Total 42 minutes

Using GIS to Engage Stakeholders and Create Compelling Visuals 7 minutes
Interview: Mike Shriberg 18 minutes
Interview: Kate Berg 16 minutes
Course Conclusion 1 minute

4 readings Total 125 minutes

Mapping for a Sustainable World Section 4: Map Use Environments 30 minutes
Module 4 Exercise 1 Skill Building Activity: Explore Story Maps 40 minutes
Module 4 Exercise 2 Skill Building Activity: Story Maps for a Sustainable and Just Future 45 minutes
Post-Course Survey 10 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Module 4 Quiz 30 minutes

1 app item Total 60 minutes

Module 4 Skill Building Activity Gamut Gallery 60 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 10 minutes

Section 4: Map Use Environments 10 minutes

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Instructors

Kim Diver

University of Michigan

1 Course 2,402 learners

Offered by

University of Michigan

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Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

Amazing course with insightful interviews. highly recommended

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