Q7B · Discuss in detail application of GIS in drought-prone area mapping for drought manage…

Answer

GIS links information to location, allowing drought indicators and affected people to be analysed together. Remote sensing supplies repeated observations; field verification is still needed.

Swipe across the diagram to read its labels ↔

Diagram: GIS combines location-based layers for decisions. Labels: GIS combines location-based layers for decisions | GIS combines location-based layers for decisions | Hazard layer | Flood extent / slope / drought | Exposure layer | People, homes, roads, hospitals | Resources layer | Shelters, teams, water supply | Decision supported | Which places face danger? Who needs | assistance? Which route is usable? Where | should resources go? | Check data dates, accuracy and field reports; a map is decision support.

1. Map rainfall deficits. Compare rainfall with the local long-term pattern and map persistent deficits. For example, identify districts with deficient seasonal rainfall rather than applying one national rainfall threshold.
2. Observe soil and vegetation. Use soil-moisture information and vegetation indicators to locate crop stress. Ground observations help separate drought stress from disease, land-use change or poor data.
3. Map available water. Locate reservoirs, wells, streams and supply systems and track their condition. Overlay settlements to identify people far from reliable drinking-water sources.
4. Assess vulnerability. Combine rain-fed cultivation, livestock, poverty and access data with hazard indicators. Two equally dry areas can need different support because livelihood and service conditions differ.
5. Prioritise and monitor action. Select recharge, supply and livelihood interventions and map their progress. For example, direct emergency water to poorly served settlements while planning long-term watershed work.
6. Communicate limitations. Show data dates, uncertainty and update schedules. A map supports judgement; it does not automatically prove a village has water or that an individual household received relief.