Geographic Information Systems for Egyptian Agricultural land evaluation

Abstract

Evaluating the Egyptian agricultural lands in terms of their capability and suitability for cultivation with different crops is necessary to reach the best benefit. Therefore, many researchers and specialists in the field of land evaluation follow several methodologies and apply different models to reach the most accurate results. Among those used methods, mathematical and statistical models are deal with many layers of data. On the other hand, computerized and automated models developed by software packages save time, effort and deal with a huge amount of data at one time. One of the most important tools currently used in presenting the results of land evaluation is the Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. These tools deal with spatial and soil attributes in the multiple sites to be evaluated. The main advantages of these tools are that they display data over a wide geographical scale in the form of spatial distribution maps. These maps are very important for decision makers in achieving better agricultural practices and optimal utilization of land resources. With the use of these tools, future planning for reclamation and cultivation of lands becomes clear and simple, in addition to saving costs significantly.