Learn how to get started with Google Earth Engine (GEE)—a cloud-based platform built for large-scale satellite data analysis and geospatial processing. In this practical, hands-on course, you’ll build foundational skills for working with satellite imagery, performing spatial analyses, and visualizing results using JavaScript and GEE’s powerful data catalog. Whether you’re completely new to geo-information or looking to boost your technical skills, this course gives you the tools to unlock the full potential of Earth Engine.
Google Earth Engine Basics
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Geospatial analysis plays an increasingly important role in how we understand and respond to the world around us. With the rise of satellite imagery and open environmental data, professionals across fields are turning to geodata. As a result, experts in climate science, agriculture, disaster response, and urban planning can track change, measure impact, and support smarter decisions.
At the center of this shift is Google Earth Engine (GEE). It’s a cloud-based platform that lets users process and analyze massive datasets—without the need for high-performance local hardware. Whether you’re monitoring deforestation, mapping urban growth, or exploring climate impacts, Earth Engine puts advanced geospatial tools within reach.
GEE stands out for its access to petabytes of satellite imagery from missions like Landsat, Sentinel-2, and MODIS. More importantly, it pairs that data with scalable cloud computing. This means you can perform detailed analyses quickly, from anywhere. Because it uses a web-based code editor and JavaScript, even beginners can get started with just a little guidance.
In this course, you’ll build a strong foundation in GEE. You’ll learn how to explore, filter, analyze, and visualize satellite data to support your research, professional goals, or learning journey. Given the growing importance of geospatial tech in global and local problem-solving, there’s no better time to get started.
Want to learn more about Google Earth Engine after completing this course? You can also enroll in our Advanced Google Earth Engine Course.
What will you learn
This course offers a step-by-step introduction to Google Earth Engine. To begin with, it blends key concepts with hands-on practice, helping you learn by doing and build confidence along the way.
You’ll start by exploring GEE’s main features. First, you’ll set up your account, access the Code Editor, and get familiar with the interface. Next, you’ll work with satellite datasets from Landsat and Sentinel missions. Then, you’ll learn how to search, filter, and apply these datasets to real-world scenarios.
Another key element of the course is understanding spectral bands. You’ll use them to study vegetation, water, and land use. Moreover, you’ll write basic JavaScript scripts to process imagery and visualize results using natural and false color composites. In addition, you’ll learn to create cloud-free images — a crucial step in producing clear, reliable satellite outputs.
As you continue, you’ll troubleshoot common coding errors and learn how to structure your scripts more efficiently. By the end, you’ll know how to navigate GEE with confidence. Consequently, you’ll be ready to run independent geospatial projects and explore more advanced techniques like layering datasets or applying dynamic filters.
Why choose this course
At Geo-ICT, we go beyond teaching software. Instead, we focus on building practical, future-ready skills. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or working professional, this course gives you a strong foundation in geospatial analysis with Earth Engine.
Here’s why learners choose this course:
- Led by experts with real-world experience in GEE and GIS
- Beginner-friendly, requiring no prior coding or GIS background
- Hands-on approach, using real satellite data in practical examples
- Preparation for next steps, from advanced courses to your own projects
In short, you won’t just learn tools—you’ll learn how to use them effectively.
Course structure
Day 1: GEE Overview
You’ll kick things off with a full introduction to GEE—what it is, how it works, and why it’s used for planetary-scale remote sensing and analysis. You’ll create your Earth Engine account, access the Code Editor, and begin exploring the interface. Then, you’ll get hands-on with the GEE data catalog, learning how to search for and load satellite datasets. Using imagery from Landsat and Sentinel-2, you’ll run your first basic image analyses and see how GEE brings large-scale data within reach.
Day 2
The second day focuses on building your coding skills with JavaScript, the language used to interact with GEE. You’ll learn how to write and run scripts using loops, functions, and variables to automate your workflow. Next, you’ll take a deeper dive into working with spectral bands—learning how to extract information about vegetation, urban features, or water bodies. You’ll also explore how to remove cloud cover by creating cloudless composites, then use natural and false color band combinations to enhance your visual results. To wrap up, you’ll apply everything in a mini project that brings together analysis, scripting, and data visualization.
Learning Outcomes
- Work with Earth Engine’s Code Editor to access, explore, and filter satellite datasets
- Understand and use JavaScript to write, run, and debug basic geospatial analyses
- Apply spectral band combinations for interpreting land use, vegetation, and water features
- Create clear, accurate visualizations using true color, false color, and cloud-free composites
- Troubleshoot common coding issues and use GEE’s documentation and community resources
- Recognize the advantages of GEE over other platforms, including its scalability, speed, and accessibility
More Information?
Do you have questions about the course content? Not sure if the course aligns with your learning objectives? Or would you prefer a private session or in-company training? We’re happy to assist—feel free to get in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions about Google Earth Engine
In this course, you will learn to use the cloud-based platform Google Earth Engine for spatial analyses and visualizations, with a focus on JavaScript and Python.
Yes, the course is designed for both beginners and experienced professionals who want to expand their skills in geo-software and techniques.
Yes, upon successful completion, you will receive a certificate of participation from the Geo-ICT Training Center, recognized by the Dutch Council for Training and Education (NRTO).
This course provides a solid foundation and is a valuable step in your career in the geospatial sector, both for beginners and experienced professionals.
Basic programming knowledge is recommended but not required. The course is accessible to a wide audience.
You will learn to work efficiently with Google Earth Engine, navigate the database, troubleshoot script errors, and identify the strengths of GEE compared to other software.