GIS Analysis for Identification of Suitable Locales of Rainwater Harvesting : A Case of Periyar University Campus, Salem District, South India

An attempt was made to identify suitable locations for establishment of rainwater harvesting (RWH) structures within the Periyar University Campus, by GIS analysis through the use of data on lithology, physiography and spatial variation of soil zone, weathered zone and fracture zone. Accordingly, the area was classified into three major categories, viz., most suitable, moderately suitable and least suitable for establishment of RWH structures. In addition, the study had also demonstrated the efficacy of GIS analysis over conventional modes of interpretation for natural resource management and establishment of decision support systems