Spatial assessment of watershed hydrological characteristics for biosustainable water resource management in Palembang City, Indonesia: a geographic information system (GIS)-analytical hierarchy process (AHP) approach
GEOCARTO INTERNATIONAL, vol.41, no.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 41 Issue: 1
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1080/10106049.2026.2714596
- Journal Name: GEOCARTO INTERNATIONAL
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Environment Index, Geobase, INSPEC, Directory of Open Access Journals, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO)
- Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Understanding watershed hydrological characteristics is essential for biosustainable water resource management in terrestrial systems. This study presents a comprehensive spatial assessment by combining Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis with the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to evaluate key hydrological variables, including rainfall, land use, elevation, slope, soil erosion, and sedimentation. Field measurements and multi-source satellite imagery were used to generate high-resolution thematic layers for the Palembang City watershed, Indonesia. The weighted multi-criteria analysis reveals significant spatial heterogeneity in water resource potential. Northern and northwestern sub-watersheds show high potential due to favorable land use, sufficient rainfall, and stable geomorphology, whereas northeastern and eastern areas exhibit lower potential associated with limited rainfall, higher erosion, and sedimentation intensity. The integrated spatial decision-support framework effectively diagnoses watershed functionality and vulnerability, providing a scientific basis for biosustainable water planning, conservation prioritization, and long-term ecosystem resilience.