Using Analytical Hierarchy Process Integrated with GIS in an Arid Region for Site Selection of Different Irrigation Systems

Abstract

Accurate site selection of different irrigation systems can lead to higher water productivity. The present study evaluates the suitable regions of Izeh Plain (Iran) for different irrigation systems by using analytical hierarchy process (AHP) based on geographic information system (GIS). A variety of parameters such as climate, topography, labor skills and system costs, etc., are identified and grouped into two main criteria, namely socioeconomic criterion, and physical criterion. A matrix of the pairwise comparison is used to compare these criteria and subcriteria, and to evaluate them according to their relative importance for region susceptibility. Geographical layers are obtained for each subcriterion by using GIS to select the most suitable sites for different irrigation systems. Wheel move irrigation system, drip irrigation system, surface irrigation system, low-pressure irrigation system, and solid-set sprinkler irrigation system were considered as alternatives for site selection in this study. The result map of site selection showed that surface irrigation, drip irrigation, and low-pressure systems were found to be the best irrigation system alternatives for this region with 49%, 36%, and 22% of site suitability, respectively.