Land suitability assessment for agriculture using analytical hierarchy process and weighted overlay analysis in arcgis modelbuilder

Abstract

In this study, we utilize the concept of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the functionalities of ArcGIS ModelBuilder towards a multiparametric classification of land regimes of Dewas District of Madhya Pradesh, based on their aptitude for agriculture. The study follows FAO’s land suitability criteria and uses data from Landsat-8 OLI+ (NDVI, NDWI, Land Use/Land Cover), ASTER-GDEM V2 (Elevation, Slope, Drainage), ISRIC Soilgrid (Soil Characteristics), OpenStreetMaps (road/river/well proximity) and India WRIS (Groundwater Depth). The methodology involves defining the evaluation criteria, creating Pairwise Comparison Matrix (PWCM), assigning relative degree of importance to the 18 chosen parameters, preparing raster maps, performing Weighted Overlay Analysis (WOA) in ArcGIS ModelBuilder to generate the land suitability map and comparing it to the land use/land cover map. The results help us identify the potentials and constraints of land parcels for agriculture, designating 17.8% (1,24,970 ha) area as highly suitable, 57.3% (4,02,294 ha) area as moderately suitable and 24.9% (1,74,818 ha) area as marginally suitable. The suitability analysis can help build justified land use policies and devise logical agrarian management strategies by recommending agricultural exclusivity in highly suitable areas. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd 2021.