Build systems. Architect strategy. Lead the future of geospatial.
If you go through MGx, complete the projects, and you don’t have the skills, confidence, and portfolio to design a modern geospatial system: I’ll personally coach you until you do, or refund you in full.
The Future of GIS
The next wave of GIS professionals will lead from architecture, not analysis.
Cloud, AI, and open data have rewritten the rules. Modern organizations now need geospatial professionals who can:
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Design cloud architectures for spatial systems
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Build scalable ETL pipelines with Iceberg, STAC, and Airflow
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Communicate strategy to executives and engineers alike
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Integrate geospatial AI and ML pipelines
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Think in terms of data products, not files
1: The Modern GIS Mindset
Understand why traditional GIS fails at scale. Learn the modern stack: GeoParquet, Python, SQL, CLI, and build your own micro modern GIS system.
2: Spatial ETL & Data Engineering Foundations
Learn how modern pipelines move data between systems, optimize compute, and prepare analytics-ready tables with Airflow, Iceberg, and STAC.
3: Scale & Performance Architecture
Understand distributed compute, vector vs raster workloads, and cost-optimized design: the thinking used by top data engineers.
4: Spatial AI, ML, and Data Science
Build AI-driven workflows: embeddings, vector databases, spatial ML, and AI agents that transform how spatial data is discovered and analyzed.
5: Dashboards, Applications, and Frontend Systems
Design and deploy full-stack spatial experiences with Maplibre, Mapbox, React/Next.js, and mobile apps. Learn to think like a product engineer.
6: Cloud Architecture & Systems Thinking
Containerization, Kubernetes, and systems design. Build, deploy, and monitor spatial infrastructure like a cloud architect.
7: Product Design & Spatial Architecture
Integrate APIs, data ops, and MLOps. Design a modern spatial lakehouse and communicate trade-offs to executives. Deliver a system blueprint project that connects technology to business outcomes.
8: Leadership, Storytelling, and Career Strategy
Become a strategic leader not just another technical resource. Learn to communicate value, present systems, and design your Modern GIS career roadmap.
This isn’t another course. It’s how you become indispensable.
“The people who understand architecture, cost, and strategy will shape the future of GIS, everyone else will just follow the tools.”
Your return on investment
University programs cost $20K–$150K and teach theory.
Because if you apply what you learn here, your payoff isn’t 10%.
It’s 10× — the difference between being a GIS technician and a Modern GIS Expert
A degree gives you theory and maybe an interview.
MGx gives you the architecture, systems thinking, and strategic leadership to own the room.
Who this is for
Who this is not for
Hi, I’m Matt Forrest
I built the Modern GIS Accelerator because I know how frustrating it can be to feel stuck—working hard in GIS but not moving forward.
Most of the field still relies on outdated tools and slow workflows. I’ve spent years helping teams modernize—from open-source projects to enterprise-scale geospatial systems—and I’ve seen firsthand how quickly careers can grow once people learn the right tools in the right order.
That’s why I designed the Accelerator: to give you a clear, structured path to mastering modern GIS. You’ll build real projects, learn Python, SQL, and Cloud GIS through guided lessons, and gain the confidence to move into higher-value roles.
This isn’t just a course it’s a turning point. My goal is for you to look back and say, “That’s when I finally connected the dots, leveled up my skills, and changed the trajectory of my career.”
Let’s make that happen together.
You've earned
your seat.
You’ve done the work. You’ve built the skills.
Now step into the room where the most forward-thinking geospatial professionals grow together.
Cut the noise. Keep the edge.
We've got answers
Common questions you might be having
Not at all. The Modern GIS Accelerator was built to meet you where you are. You’ll start with core GIS foundations in QGIS before moving into Python, SQL, and cloud workflows each step builds logically on the last. Even if you’ve never written a line of code, you’ll have guided lessons, clear examples, and hands-on projects that make learning intuitive.
That’s exactly why this program exists. It’s designed for busy professionals who want results without spending months on tutorials. Each lesson is concise and focused, so even a few hours a week moves you forward. You’ll have lifetime access to revisit modules anytime, making it easy to learn at your own pace while still staying on track.
If your goal is to advance your GIS career, absolutely. The Accelerator condenses years of trial and error into a two-week structured path. You’ll learn modern, high-demand skills Python, SQL, Cloud GIS, and automation—that directly align with higher-paying, higher-impact roles. Most students say the value becomes clear within the first few lessons, once they see how quickly the system accelerates their progress.
Yes if you’re ready to apply what you learn. The Accelerator doesn’t just teach tools; it teaches systems thinking, automation, and real-world application. You’ll finish with portfolio projects, a modern technical toolkit, and a clear plan for your next career move. Many students use what they learn here to earn promotions, switch industries, or land their first modern GIS role.
FAQs
Questions? We're glad you asked
Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions! One final note. Everything in this course are things you can learn on your own. There are no special secrets or tips or tricks.
My goal with this course is to condense everything down to get you the skills and tools you need as fast as possible. The course takes about two weeks to complete which translates to about $10/hour based on the course price. If that is worth it to you, I look forward to seeing you inside!
Modern GIS Accelerator is for GIS professionals, analysts, and career changers who want to move beyond basic mapping and master Python, SQL, Cloud GIS, and automation—the skills that are in demand today. If you’re tired of feeling stuck in entry-level or repetitive GIS work and want to land higher-paying, more strategic roles, this program is for you.
Most GIS courses focus on one tool or one skill, leaving you with gaps in knowledge. The Modern GIS Accelerator connects everything—teaching you QGIS, Python, SQL, Web GIS, and Cloud GIS in a structured, step-by-step system. Plus, it includes a Career Accelerator to help you land better jobs.
Yes! The course is designed for both beginners and working professionals. If you’re new to GIS, the structured approach will guide you from foundational concepts to advanced applications—without overwhelming you.
You can complete the program in a few weeks, depending on your schedule. Each lesson is designed to be efficient and actionable, so you can learn without spending months on theory. Plus, you get lifetime access, so you can learn at your own pace.
Nope! The course focuses on free and open-source tools like QGIS, PostGIS, and Python. You won’t need an Esri license to complete the exercises.
Yes! You’ll receive a certificate of completion that you can add to your resume and LinkedIn profile to showcase your new skills.
Great! This program is not just another beginner GIS course—it’s designed to bridge the gap between GIS, automation, and cloud technology. If you’ve taken GIS courses before but still feel stuck, this will give you a clear path to mastering modern GIS and moving forward in your career.
Yes! We offer a 7-day money-back guarantee. If you go through the first few lessons and decide it’s not the right fit, just let us know—we’ll refund you, no questions asked.
Click below to enroll and get instant access to all lessons, exercises, and career resources.
You will get an email with your new account to start learning. Just log in and set up your account with a new password!