Spatial decision support system for land use management of newly reclaimed areas in arid regions

Abstract

The current work is an attempt to establish a spatial decision support system (SDSS) for the newly reclaimed areas, especially saline soils of the arid regions. The proposed system is based on database of ArcGIS environment and includes land capability and suitability models. A base map of the study area, remotely sensed data, soil and water analytical data, meteorological data and socio-economic information formulate the essential database for the SDSS implementation. Based on processing the proposed SDSS, the agricultural and fish farming land uses would be increased from about 48% to 71% of the total area where almost 60% would be devoted to field crop cultivation, 11% can be used as permanent fish farms and 29% could be assigned to residential and industrial purposes or any other recreational uses. The soils capabilities would be improved through good management policy and land reclamation processes.