Identification of Suitable Sites Using GIS for Rainwater Harvesting Structures to Meet Irrigation Demand

This study uses a multi-criteria decision analysis approach based on geographic information system (GIS) to identify suitable sites for rainwater harvesting (RWH) structures (such as farm dam, check dam and contour bund) meet irrigation demand in Greater Western Sydney region, New South Wales, Australia. Data satellite image, soil, climate, digital elevation model (DEM) were stored GIS layers merged create ranking system, which then used RWH (rainwater harvesting) areas. The resulting thematic rainfall, land use/land cover, soil type, slope, runoff depth, drainage density, stream order distance from road) combined into one overlay produce map of suitability. results showed that 9% the region is ‘very highly suitable’ 25% ‘highly suitable’. On other hand, 36% area, distributed north-west, west south-west ‘moderately While 21% east south-east part has ‘low suitability’ found ‘unsuitable area’. findings this research will contribute towards wider adoption demand. developed methodology can be adapted any region/country.