The Spatial Analysis of Groundwater Potential in the Asi Basin Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process Method in GIS Environment

This study applied a multi-criteria evaluation method based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to determine the groundwater potential of the Asi Basin. Eight key factors affecting groundwater formation were used as layers: geology, soil texture, land use, slope, elevation, drainage density, linearity and precipitation. The factors were weighted using the AHP, and the consistency ratio was checked. The weighted layers were combined in a GIS environment to produce a groundwater potential map. The results showed that the groundwater potential of the basin varied across different classes, ranging from very low to very high. It was determined that areas with high and very high potential are concentrated in the Amik Plain and Dörtyol-Erzin Plain, which feature low-slope alluvial soils with high infiltration capacity. In contrast, areas with high slopes and impermeable geological units such as the Amanos Mountains, have been identified as low-potential zones. The model results were validated by comparing them with the safe groundwater reserve values reported in Hatay 2023 Environmental Status Report, and the reliability of the findings was confirmed. The results showed that combination of GIS and AHP provides an effective and reliable method for determining groundwater potential in areas with complex hydrogeological conditions. Agriculture, being one of the main economic activities in the basin makes groundwater especially critical for irrigation. The map produced is expected to serve as an effective decision support tool for improving irrigation planning, organizing crop patterns in line with water potential, and managing groundwater use in a sustainably.