Wasteland development using Geographic Information System techniques

Abstract The present study aims at designing a methodology for wasteland development using GIS techniques. An analytical sequence was performed using various inputs to provide answers to the project objectives using a multivariable GIS overlay procedure. In this process, appropriate weightage was assigned to each class in the input map according to its role in influencing the output characteristic desired. This design enables, (1) selection of suitable crop/tree species that could be cultivated in the culturable wastelands; (2) determination of least cost route to transport the commodities derived from the cultivated land to the nearest town and the transportation cost incurred thereof; (3) identification of the most favourable location to construct percolation tanks to augment the groundwater potential. Input of more parameters at a scale larger than 1:50000 would result in an accurate assessment.