Geographical Information System in Analysis and Interpretation of Soil Resource Data for Land Use Planning

Geographical Information System (GIS) can be used to digitize spatial data (e.g. a map) into digital format. Point data sets are structured and are organised into geo-reference units so that linkages with topology and other geographical attributes are possible. The results can be displayed as maps. GIS together with related software can be used to present data as tables or figures. Land information generated through soil resource mapping can be used to prepare thematic maps for suggesting suitable land use plans at various levels. In a case study, GIS techniques have been used to map soils in Aurangabad district. This land use study indicates that the soils of the district are suitable for growing most annual crops in shallow soils and perennials in the deeper soils.