What is remote sensing?

Remote sensing involves gathering information by inspecting objects or phenomena from a distance, as opposed to viewing them close at hand and examining them by sight or touch. Most of the time, remote sensing applies to observing and gaining information about the Earth, often by satellite or aerial imaging. Using remote sensing allows scientists and organizations to obtain insight about the objects they're viewing for scientific study. With remote sensing, you can use photography and video to see much more than you could from the ground, and you can employ special cameras to observe radiation and temperature changes or sonar to mark distances from the ocean floor to the surface.

Why learn remote sensing?

Remote sensing allows you to view and observe conditions and data about the Earth and the oceans that you would never be able to see from the ground or in a laboratory. With remote sensing, you can map forest fires and fight them more effectively or observe land usage over large areas. Meteorologists use remote sensing to determine weather patterns and make predictions, while geologists rely on remote sensing to watch volcanoes and track seismic changes. Oceanographers map the ocean floor and watch coastal erosion and tidal changes with remote sensing as well. It's a valuable tool that gives you rich insight on how the planet operates and changes.

What are typical careers that use remote sensing?

If you have a broad knowledge of remote sensing and its applications, you can find a career in geography, physical science, surveying, or one of many other fields. Government agencies and other organizations use remote sensing for scientific research and policy setting, and there are job opportunities in those fields. Remote sensing is a crucial skill for environmental science careers, as well as for mapmaking and Geographic Information Systems. You can also work analyzing data or building databases of geospatial information. You can even use remote sensing imaging to create beautiful works of art.

How can online courses on Coursera help me learn remote sensing?

With online courses on Coursera, you can gain a thorough understanding or remote sensing on your own schedule and at a pace that benefits your lifestyle. Take a survey course to learn the basics, and then you can move on to more specific subjects, like spatial analysis, climate change modeling, or how remote sensing can help achieve sustainable development. You'll learn from highly esteemed partners in academia from the University of Chicago to the University of Barcelona. You can take the knowledge you've gained from online courses on Coursera and use them in a new career or apply them where you work now—and you can do so with confidence.

What are the benefits of taking an online Remote Sensing course?

Online Remote Sensing courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Remote Sensing skills. Choose from a wide range of Remote Sensing courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Remote Sensing courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Remote Sensing, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Best Remote Sensing Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the Remote Sensing Course Catalog

Status: Preview
UNSW Sydney (The University of New South Wales)
Remote Sensing Image Acquisition, Analysis and Applications
Skills you'll gain: Image Analysis, Unsupervised Learning, Geospatial Information and Technology, Computer Vision, Spatial Analysis, Machine Learning, Dimensionality Reduction, Linear Algebra, Deep Learning, Data Validation, Supervised Learning, Probability & Statistics, Artificial Neural Networks
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
173 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Toronto
GIS, Mapping, and Spatial Analysis
Skills you'll gain: ArcGIS, Spatial Data Analysis, Spatial Analysis, Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Mapping, GIS Software, Data Mapping, Geospatial Information and Technology, Data Visualization, Metadata Management, Query Languages, Global Positioning Systems, Quantitative Research, Data Compilation, Typography, Data Manipulation, Data Storytelling, Data Modeling, Design Elements And Principles, Image Analysis
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Toronto
Spatial Analysis and Satellite Imagery in a GIS
Skills you'll gain: Geographic Information Systems, GIS Software, Spatial Analysis, Spatial Data Analysis, Geospatial Information and Technology, Geospatial Mapping, Query Languages, Data Manipulation, Image Analysis
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
622 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
Coursera Instructor Network
GIS Mastery: Spatial Data, Remote Sensing, Decision Support
Skills you'll gain: Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Information and Technology, Geospatial Mapping, Spatial Data Analysis, Spatial Analysis, Global Positioning Systems, Data Analysis
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
17 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Packt
Satellite Remote Sensing Data Bootcamp With Opensource Tools
Skills you'll gain: Geospatial Information and Technology, Geospatial Mapping, Spatial Data Analysis, Geographic Information Systems, GIS Software, Spatial Analysis, Environmental Monitoring, Unsupervised Learning, Data Analysis Software, Image Analysis, Global Positioning Systems, Machine Learning, R Programming, Image Quality, Data Processing, Open Source Technology, Data Collection, Data Transformation, Dimensionality Reduction, Data Import/Export
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
University of Glasgow
6G for a Connected Future
Skills you'll gain: Wireless Networks, Emerging Technologies, Digital Communications, Blockchain, Internet Of Things, Generative AI, Communication Systems, Network Security, Telecommunications, Network Performance Management, Network Planning And Design, Zero Trust Network Access, Computer Vision, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Electrical Engineering, Network Analysis, Information Technology, Electronics Engineering, Machine Learning, Trustworthiness
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

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Status: Free Trial
L&T EduTech
Mastering Geospatial Analysis with QGIS
Skills you'll gain: Spatial Analysis, GIS Software, Spatial Data Analysis, Geospatial Mapping, Geographic Information Systems, Building Information Modeling, Data Manipulation, Global Positioning Systems, Network Analysis, Image Analysis, Data Import/Export, Unsupervised Learning, Software Installation, Supervised Learning, UI Components
4
Rating, 4 out of 5 stars
27 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Google
Crash Course on Python
Skills you'll gain: Scripting, Python Programming, Computer Programming, Computational Thinking, Data Structures, Integrated Development Environments, Debugging, Development Environment
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
40K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
R Programming
Skills you'll gain: Statistical Analysis, R Programming, Statistical Programming, Data Analysis, Debugging, Simulations, Computer Programming Tools, Program Development, Programming Principles, Data Structures, Performance Tuning, Data Import/Export
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
22K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Skillshare
Leadership: Being a Confident and Effective Team Leader
Skills you'll gain: Team Building, Constructive Feedback, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, Adaptability, Diversity and Inclusion, Diversity Training, Workplace inclusivity, Calendar Management, Employee Retention, Team Motivation, Talent Management, Diversity Programs, Diversity Awareness, Drive Engagement, Team Leadership, Leadership, Virtual Teams, Team Performance Management, Leadership and Management, Communication
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
8 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
SkillUp
Remote Team Management
Skills you'll gain: Virtual Teams, Telecommuting, Team Leadership, Team Management, Peer Review, Workplace inclusivity, Rapport Building, Team Building, Management Training And Development, Leadership and Management, Teamwork, Collaboration, Leadership, Collaborative Software, Delegation Skills, Organizational Leadership, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Diversity and Inclusion, Trustworthiness, Communication
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
EDUCBA
Advanced Unix System Programming and Performance
Skills you'll gain: Unix Shell, Unix Commands, Unix, Shell Script, Bash (Scripting Language), Command-Line Interface, Remote Access Systems, Scripting, Systems Administration, Operating System Administration, Linux Commands, IT Automation, Linux, User Accounts, File Systems, System Monitoring, Operating Systems, File Management, Performance Tuning, System Programming
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
13 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months