Use of GIS for Agricultural Land Suitability Analysis and Finding Routes for Irrigation Pipelines in Hilly Regions

Abstract Agricultural land suitability assessment and optimal irrigation pipeline routing in hilly regions are challenging due to diverse and interdependent physical, environmental, and land use factors. This study presents a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based approach to evaluate agricultural land suitability and identify an optimal irrigation water supply pipeline route. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify factors influencing agricultural land suitability and optimal pipeline route planning. Factors exhibiting spatial variations in the various influencing factors were selected and weighted using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). A GIS-based methodology was developed, and the influencing factors along with their weights were combined using weighted overlay analysis (WOA) to produce a land suitability map. The restrictions were excluded from the WOA output, and Dijkstra’s algorithm was used to compute the optimal pipeline routes with minimal environmental disturbance. The methodology was implemented in a case study area with hilly regions and challenging site conditions. The highly suitable agricultural areas correspond well with the regions where local communities practice cultivation, demonstrating strong model reliability. The identified pipeline routes provide efficient connectivity while minimizing landscape disruption. Overall, the present study offers an integrated and practical approach for sustainable agricultural planning and irrigation infrastructure development in hilly regions.