GISphere
Where GeoSpatial Thinking Shines
Empower GIScience and Geography education for the future
About Us
GISphere is a non-profit initiative led by a group of graduate students and young scholars in GIS-related fields (e.g., remote sensing, urban studies, other subfields in Geography). We have helped students interested in professional development and graduate programs to access the up-to-date information on global M.S./Ph.D. opportunities, funding availabilities, webinars, and competitions through our project website, blogs, online forums, and other virtual events.
Our Mission

At GISphere, we are committed to democratizing access to Geographic Information Science (GIS) education worldwide. Established in 2019 by a group of forward-thinking Chinese students and scholars, our platform strives to break barriers in GIS education by promoting open access to information, fostering academic collaboration, and bridging the gap between research and industry.

We believe that knowledge should be freely shared, and by providing a centralized hub for GIS-related resources, academic opportunities, and professional networking, we aim to empower students, researchers, and professionals across the globe. Our ultimate goal is to cultivate a dynamic, inclusive, and innovative GIS community that drives progress in both academia and industry.

Our Journey

GISphere started as a platform dedicated to publishing GIS-related articles and social media content in Chinese, specifically designed to support Chinese students seeking accessible geospatial education. Over time, we have grown beyond linguistic and regional boundaries, evolving into a global initiative that connects scholars, educators, and professionals across diverse backgrounds.

Through continuous growth and expansion, our team has developed a range of initiatives to support GIS education, career development, and academic networking:

  • GISphere Guide - Our flagship database, providing comprehensive information on GIS and Geography institutions and graduate programs across more than 80 countries.
  • GISalon - A series of engaging roundtable discussions offering students valuable insights into graduate study experiences, academic pathways, and career development. Recordings are available on YouTube (English) and Bilibili (Chinese).
  • GISource - A global news service delivering up-to-date information on GIS-related master's and doctoral program admissions, as well as academic and industry hiring opportunities worldwide.
  • GISphere WeChat Official Account - A hub for sharing application experiences, study insights, and professional advice from GIS students and experts worldwide. Additionally, we publish a biweekly GISource newsletter, GIStory articles, and more.
  • GISpace - A vibrant community discussion platform on WhatsApp and WeChat, fostering peer connections and knowledge-sharing among GIS enthusiasts.
  • Social Media - Sharing the latest GIS-related news, trends, and updates across social media platforms including X (Twitter), WhatsApp, Zhihu, and Rednotes.

As GISphere continues to grow, we remain dedicated to enriching the GIS education ecosystem by expanding resources, facilitating collaborations, and making GIS knowledge more accessible worldwide.

GISphere@2025