Last updated: July 2026. Written by Josh Hutcheson, OnlineCourseing editor. See our review methodology.
QUICK VERDICT
Bottom line: GIS (Geographic Information Systems) splits between the free, open-source QGIS and the commercial industry standard ArcGIS (Esri). The best way to learn the concepts affordably is a QGIS course — our pick is GIS in QGIS 3 for Beginners.
- Best overall: GIS in QGIS 3 for Beginners (Udemy, 4.5★, updated 4/2025)
- Best free tool: QGIS itself is free and open-source — no licence needed to learn
- For ArcGIS/automation: Python for ArcGIS (ArcPy)
- Certification: Esri’s ArcGIS certifications are the recognised industry credential
GIS is the technology behind digital maps and spatial analysis — used in urban planning, environmental science, logistics, agriculture, and public health to understand where things happen and why. The first decision is the software. QGIS is free, open-source, and excellent for learning the concepts and doing professional work. ArcGIS, from Esri, is the commercial standard many employers use and the platform its certifications cover. The good news: the core GIS concepts transfer between them, so learning on free QGIS is a smart, low-cost start.
| Course / resource | Software | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GIS in QGIS 3 for Beginners | QGIS | The affordable foundation | 4.5★, updated 4/2025 |
| An Introduction to GIS and QGIS | QGIS | A gentle first course | Concepts + QGIS |
| Python for ArcGIS (ArcPy) | ArcGIS | Automating Esri workflows | Python scripting |
| Complete Web GIS Development | Web (Leaflet) | Interactive web maps | Developer-focused |
The best GIS courses in 2026
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1. GIS in QGIS 3 for Beginners — Udemy (Best overall)
The best-value starting point. Rated 4.5★ from 800+ ratings and updated April 2025, it teaches core GIS through the free QGIS software — loading spatial data, working with layers and coordinate systems, styling maps, and completing a real project (with an accompanying e-book). Because QGIS is free, you can follow along with zero software cost.
2. An Introduction to GIS and QGIS — Udemy
A gentle conceptual on-ramp for anyone completely new to spatial data. It spends more time on the ‘what and why’ of GIS before the software mechanics — a good complement to the more project-driven pick above.
3. Python for ArcGIS (ArcPy) — Udemy
Once you know the fundamentals and work in an Esri environment, ArcPy — ArcGIS’s Python library — lets you automate repetitive geoprocessing and build custom tools. A career-relevant skill for anyone heading into a professional ArcGIS role. Pair it with our best Python courses if Python itself is new.
4. Complete Web GIS Development — Udemy
For developers who want to put maps on the web, this covers interactive web mapping with tools like Leaflet. A more technical, code-oriented path than the desktop GIS courses, suited to those with some web-development background.
QGIS vs ArcGIS: which should you learn?
The practical answer: learn the concepts on QGIS, and add ArcGIS if your target job requires it. QGIS is free, capable, and perfect for learning — there is no reason to pay for software just to start. ArcGIS is the commercial standard in many government and enterprise roles, and its certifications carry weight, so if job listings you are targeting specify ArcGIS, invest in it once the fundamentals are solid. The underlying GIS skills — coordinate systems, spatial analysis, cartography — are the same on both.
GIS certifications explained
The most recognised GIS credentials come from Esri (the ArcGIS Technical Certifications, at Associate and Professional levels) and the vendor-neutral GISP (GIS Professional) certification from the GIS Certification Institute, which is based on experience, education, and contributions rather than an exam alone. QGIS itself has no formal certification. For most people, building a portfolio of maps and analyses matters more early on; pursue Esri or GISP certification once you are targeting roles that reward them.
GIS courses: frequently asked questions
Is GIS hard to learn?
The basics of making maps and loading data are approachable, especially with a good course. The depth comes from spatial analysis, coordinate systems, and data quality, which take practice. Most people can produce useful maps within a few weeks and grow the analytical skills over time.
QGIS or ArcGIS — which should I learn?
Learn on QGIS because it is free and teaches the same core concepts, then add ArcGIS if the jobs you want require it. ArcGIS is the commercial industry standard with recognised certifications, but there is no need to pay for software just to learn GIS fundamentals.
Is GIS a good career?
Yes, in the right fields. GIS skills are in steady demand across urban planning, environmental science, utilities, logistics, and government. Combining GIS with programming (Python/ArcPy) or web development notably raises earning potential and opportunities.
Do I need programming for GIS?
Not to start — desktop GIS work in QGIS or ArcGIS is largely visual. But learning Python (especially ArcPy for ArcGIS) to automate tasks, or web technologies for online maps, significantly expands what you can do and makes you more employable.
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