Lecturer, Geospatial Data Sciences
GIS: Geographic Information Systems for Sustainability
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
4 Modules
16 Hours
4 hrs per module (approx.)
Rating
About GIS: Geographic Information Systems for Sustainability
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.
Skills You'll Gain
- Data Visualization
- Geographic Information Systems
- Geospatial Databases
- GIS Applications
- GIS Mapping
- Spatial Data Infrastructures
What You'll Earn
- Certificate of Completion:
- Certificates of completion acknowledge knowledge acquired upon completion of a non-credit course or program.
Welcome Message
GIS: Geographic Information Systems for Sustainability is the fourth course in the Green Skills for a Sustainable and Just Future series. This online course introduces learners to core GIS concepts through the lens of global sustainability challenges. Focusing on real-world spatial data and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the course builds practical GIS skills for analyzing patterns, supporting decision-making, and communicating insights that empower communities and stakeholders.
This abbreviated syllabus description was created with the help of AI tools and reviewed by staff. The full syllabus is available to those who enroll in the course.
Course Schedule
Module 1: Monitor, Identify, Assess Sustainability Issues
- Video: Course Introduction
- Reading: Meet Your Instructors
- Reading: Syllabus
- Discussion Prompt: Meet Your Fellow Global Learners
- Reading: Help Us Learn About You
- Video: Using GIS to Identify and Assess Sustainability Issues
- Video: Interview: Michael R. Moore
- Reading: Introducing Mapping for a Sustainable World
- Reading: Mapping for a Sustainable World Section 1: SDGs & Geospatial Data
- Discussion Prompt: Section 1: SDGs & Geospatial Data
- Video: Interview: Lisa DuRussel
- Reading: Recommended GIS Background and Note About GIS Software Tools
- Reading: Timestamps for Software Demo Video
- Video: Software Demo
- Reading: Introducing the Gamut Gallery
- Reading: Introducing the Skill Building Activities
- Reading: Module 1 Exercise 1 Skill Building Activity: Learning the Basics
- Reading: Module 1 Exercise 2 Skill Building Activity: Attribute Tables
- App Item: Module 1 Skill Building Activity Gamut Gallery
Module 2: Identify Trends and Perform Forecasting
- Video: Using GIS to Identify Trends and Perform Forecasting
- Video: Interview: Derek Van Berkel
- Reading: Mapping for a Sustainable World Section 2: Map Design Considerations
- Discussion Prompt: Section 2: Map Design Considerations
- Video: Interview: Sarah Collins
- Reading: Module 2 Exercise 1 Skill Building Activity: Explore Near Real-time Data
- Reading: Module 2 Exercise 2 Skill Building Activity: Exploring Time Series Data
- App Item: Module 2 Skill Building Activity Gamut Gallery
Module 3: Solve Multi-layered Issues and Optimize Decision Making
- Video: Using GIS to Solve Multi-layered Issues and Optimize Decision Making
- Video: Interview: Neil Carter
- Reading: Mapping for a Sustainable World Section 3: Maps & Diagrams
- Discussion Prompt: Section 3: Maps & Diagrams
- Reading: Meet the Future in a Minute: Josh Newell & Meha Jain
- Reading: Module 3 Exercise 1 Skill Building Activity: Overlay Analysis
- App Item: Module 3 Skill Building Activity Gamut Gallery
Module 4: Communicate with / Engage / Empower Stakeholders for a Sustainable and Just Future
- Video: Using GIS to Engage Stakeholders and Create Compelling Visuals
- Video: Interview: Mike Shriberg
- Reading: Mapping for a Sustainable World Section 4: Map Use Environments
- Discussion Prompt: Section 4: Map Use Environments
- Video: Interview: Kate Berg
- Reading: Module 4 Exercise 1 Skill Building Activity: Explore Story Maps
- Reading: Module 4 Exercise 2 Skill Building Activity: Story Maps for a Sustainable and Just Future
- App Item: Module 4 Skill Building Activity Gamut Gallery
- Video: Course Conclusion
- Reading: Post-Course Survey
Grading Policy
Learners must earn at least 80% overall to pass. Four quizzes are weighted equally at 25% each.
Lecturer in Program in the Environment and Geospatial Data Sciences
Course content developed by U-M faculty and managed by the university. Faculty titles and affiliations are updated periodically.
Beginner Level
There are no specific prerequisites based on knowledge, skills, or experience.
