Zewdu et al. (2026) Utilizing GIS and fuzzy logic for groundwater resource mapping in gubalafto woreda, Ethiopia: a spatial analysis approach

Identification

• Journal: Applied Water Science
• Year: 2026
• Date: 2026-03-12
• Authors: Getanew Sewnetu Zewdu, Asrat Hibu
• DOI: 10.1007/s13201-026-02815-z

Research Groups

• Department of Water Resource and Irrigation Engineering, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
• Faculty of Civil and Water Resources Engineering, Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

Short Summary

This study developed a GIS-based fuzzy logic framework to map groundwater potential zones in Gubalafto Woreda, Ethiopia, integrating multiple hydrogeological and topographic factors. The model identified that 17% of the area has high groundwater potential, demonstrating robust predictive accuracy with an AUC of 0.752.

Objective

• To delineate groundwater potential zones in Gubalafto Woreda, Ethiopia, using a GIS-based fuzzy logic framework by integrating various spatial datasets.

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: Gubalafto Woreda, Ethiopia. The analysis utilized high-resolution datasets, including a 30 meter Digital Elevation Model (DEM).
• Temporal Scale: Not explicitly defined for the analysis period, but uses contemporary high-resolution datasets such as Landsat 8 imagery and CHIRPS rainfall data.

Methodology and Data

• Models used: GIS-based fuzzy logic framework for multi-criteria overlay analysis, Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression, Moran’s I autocorrelation, and Receiver Operating Characteristic - Area Under the Curve (ROC-AUC) for model performance evaluation.
• Data sources:
  • Digital Elevation Model (DEM) with 30 meter resolution (for slope, Channel Network Base Level (CNBL), Topographic Position Index (TPI), and Topographic Wetness Index (TWI)).
  • Landsat 8 imagery (for land use/land cover).
  • CHIRPS rainfall data (Climate Hazards Infrared Precipitation with Stations).
  • Geological maps.
  • Drainage network data.

Main Results

• Approximately 17% of Gubalafto Woreda was identified as having high groundwater potential.
• High groundwater potential zones are primarily associated with gentle slopes, low drainage density, and elevated Topographic Wetness Index (TWI) values.
• The developed fuzzy logic model achieved a robust predictive accuracy with an Area Under the Curve (AUC) value of 0.752.

Contributions

• Introduces a replicable GIS-based fuzzy logic framework for groundwater resource mapping, particularly valuable for data-scarce, drought-prone regions.
• Integrates a comprehensive set of hydrogeological and topographic factors (slope, drainage density, geology, rainfall, land use/land cover, CNBL, TPI, TWI) into a single predictive model.
• Provides actionable insights for policymakers and water managers to optimize groundwater resource allocation and enhance resilience in challenging environments.

Funding

Not available (This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors).

Citation

@article{Zewdu2026Utilizing,
  author = {Zewdu, Getanew Sewnetu and Hibu, Asrat},
  title = {Utilizing GIS and fuzzy logic for groundwater resource mapping in gubalafto woreda, Ethiopia: a spatial analysis approach},
  journal = {Applied Water Science},
  year = {2026},
  doi = {10.1007/s13201-026-02815-z},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s13201-026-02815-z}
}