The use of the integrated geographic information system and remote sensing technologies have not been widely demonstrated as one of the efficient techniques in facilitating better data analysis to enhance the interpretations of groundwater potential controlling parameters for sustained utilization and management of groundwater resources. This paper discuss the results of the study that aimed at showcasing the application of the integrated geographic information system and remote sensing techniques to delineate and classify possible groundwater potential zones in the Bilate River catchment, South Ethiopian Rift valley Escarpment. Thematic layers of lithology, geomorphology, drainage, lineament, rainfall, soil, slope and land use/land cover were prepared in Landsat ETM+ imagery and ArcGIS software. Weights assigned based on thematic layers relative importance in groundwater occurrence. In addition, corresponding normalized weights obtained based on the Saaty's analytical hierarchy process. Lastly, linear summation equation used weights to obtain a unified weight map containing due weights of all input variables. Thematic layers further reclassified to arrive at groundwater potential map using ArcGIS and IDRIS software. Key results included four different groundwater potential zones that classed as high, moderate, low and poor based on pair wise comparison of Satty’s importance scale criteria. The resulted groundwater potential zoning map validated based on existing water sources point data of the study area. The results provide important information, with the groundwater potential zone suitable for use by local authorities and decision makers responsible for groundwater resource management in the study area. Finally, integrated geographic information system and remote sensing technologies have provided an efficient tool for the identification of groundwater potential zones.
Presenter Name
Tesfaye Tessema
Presenter Surname
Gintamo
Area
Ethiopia
Conference year
2017