Integration of GIS-AHP and remote sensing data for groundwater potential zone assessment in Northern Bida basin north-central Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Sustainable groundwater development in basement–sedimentary transition zones requires reliable spatial assessment tools to support effective water resource planning. This study evaluates groundwater potential zones in the Northern Bida Basin, North-Central Nigeria, using an integrated Geographic Information System (GIS) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) approach. Ten thematic layers, including lithology, lineament density, drainage density, slope, soil type, land use/land cover, rainfall, elevation, curvature, and aspect, were generated from geophysical data, remote sensing imagery, and ancillary datasets. Relative weights for each thematic layer were assigned using the AHP technique based on their influence on groundwater occurrence. The weighted layers were integrated within a GIS environment to delineate groundwater potential zones classified into very low, low, moderate, high, and very high categories. The results indicate that areas characterized by high lineament density, gentle slopes, favorable lithology, and moderate drainage density exhibit comparatively higher groundwater potential, predominantly concentrated in the central and southern parts of the basin. These zones are closely associated with structurally controlled aquifer systems and more favorable recharge conditions. Validation against existing borehole records indicates a positive spatial agreement between predicted high-potential zones and productive wells, supporting the reliability of the modelled groundwater potential map. The resulting map provides a decision-support tool for groundwater exploration and sustainable water resource management in the Bida Basin and comparable hydrogeological settings.