Overview

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.

Syllabus

Module 1: Monitor, Identify, Assess Sustainability Issues

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.

Module 2: Identify Trends and Perform Forecasting

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.

Module 3: Solve Multi-layered Issues and Optimize Decision Making

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.

Module 4: Communicate with / Engage / Empower Stakeholders for a Sustainable and Just Future

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.