Write a short note on GIS application in land use suitability analysis.

Land-use suitability analysis helps in taking decision on different land related developments. The GIS analysis integrates various natural, anthropogenic and interactive factors to produce three types of maps.

(i) A map showing land use will cause the least change in environmental processes.

(ii) A map showing qualitative predictions of environmental impacts of proposed development. It also gives certain projects to be carried out and specific environmental actions to be controlled.

(iii) A map showing the best and least suitable locations for those actions.

The land use planning in marginal regions like Himalayan region, Rajasthan Desert requires such mapping. The analysis of land suitability for agriculture in highlands will produce information and maps related to soil erosion, slope, altitude, water availability and nutrient availability.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service has develop the Land Evaluation and Site Assessment (LESA) system to determine the quality of land for agricultural uses and to assess agricultural land areas for their economic viability. India should also take up such projects.

Multi-criteria analysis has become popular for integrity, various GIS maps like soil, slope and accessibility are integrated by indicating their rulings and weightage in order to ascertain a final GIS product.