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GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality

A practical introduction to GIS data acquisition and map design that bridges technical skills with impactful storytelling.

access

Lifetime

level

Medium

certificate

Certificate of completion

language

English

What will you learn in GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality Course

  • Understand different types of GIS data and sources.

  • Acquire, process, and manage spatial data.

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  • Design high-quality maps using cartographic principles.

  • Apply ethical considerations in GIS data usage.

Program Overview

Module 1: Understanding GIS Data Types

⏱️ 1 week

  • Topics: Raster vs. vector data, spatial vs. attribute data.

  • Hands-on: Compare various GIS datasets and formats.

Module 2: GIS Data Acquisition

⏱️ 1 week

  • Topics: GPS, remote sensing, data scraping, public data repositories.

  • Hands-on: Collect and import spatial datasets from multiple sources.

Module 3: Data Quality and Ethics

⏱️ 1 week

  • Topics: Accuracy, completeness, metadata, and data bias.

  • Hands-on: Assess and document GIS data quality.

Module 4: Map Design Principles

⏱️ 1 week

  • Topics: Color, symbology, layout, typography, map types.

  • Hands-on: Create visually effective maps using ArcGIS or QGIS.

Module 5: Communicating with Maps

⏱️ 1 week

  • Topics: Audience-focused design, storytelling with maps.

  • Hands-on: Publish or share a professional-quality map project.

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Job Outlook

  • GIS and spatial data analysis are rapidly growing across urban planning, logistics, environmental monitoring, and disaster management.

  • Skills in spatial data collection and map visualization are in high demand.

  • Entry-level GIS technician roles offer salaries between $50,000–$70,000/year, with senior analysts earning over $90,000.

  • Strong freelance and remote work opportunities in mapping, consulting, and geospatial storytelling.

9.7Expert Score
Highly Recommendedx
A well-rounded and beginner-friendly course that teaches not only the technical side of GIS data acquisition but also map design as a communication tool.
Value
9
Price
9.2
Skills
9.4
Information
9.5
PROS
  • Strong balance between theory and practical design
  • Focus on ethics and real-world application
  • Beginner-friendly with clear explanations
CONS
  • Software experience (ArcGIS/QGIS) is helpful but not required
  • No programming or automation covered

Specification: GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality

access

Lifetime

level

Medium

certificate

Certificate of completion

language

English

GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality
GIS Data Formats, Design and Quality
Course | Career Focused Learning Platform
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