PROJECT REPORT
ON
DAM SUITABILITY ANALYSIS AND MAPPING IN OGBESE RIVER BASIN
USING AN INTEGRATED GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) AND
REMOTE SENSING (RS)
BY
ADEKANYE DAMILOLA TOSIN
FPA/SG/23/3-0020
SUPERVISED BY: IR. CHRIS ODEYEMI
THE FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC, ADO – EKITI, EKITI STATE
THE DEPARTMENT OF SURVEYING AND GEO-INFORMATICS,
SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF
A HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOPMA (H.N.D) IN SURVEYING AND GEO-
INFORMATICS.
………….., 2025
ABSTRACT
This study investigates dam suitability within the Ogbese River Basin, employing an integrated
Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) approach. By analyzing key
hydrological and topographic parameters derived from satellite imagery and geospatial data, potential
dam sites were identified and evaluated. Factors such as slope, elevation, drainage density, land cover,
and proximity to existing infrastructure were integrated to generate a dam suitability map. This map
delineates areas with varying degrees of suitability, providing crucial information for water resource
management and infrastructure development within the basin. The results offer a spatially explicit
framework for informed decision-making regarding dam construction, contributing to enhanced water
security and sustainable development in the Ogbese River Basin.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY:
Dam suitability analysis conventionally employs a multi-criteria decision-making framework that
integrates a variety of environmental and hydrological considerations. Prominent criteria delineated
across various research studies encompass topographical elements such as slope and drainage density,
geological properties, soil classification, stream order, and proximity to aquatic resources and
infrastructures like road networks (Bastola et al., 2024). For example, construction is preferably
conducted on gentle slopes (0-5°), while fourth-order streams are regarded as the most appropriate due
to their enhanced flow capacity (Zewdie & Tesfa, 2023). Furthermore, precipitation patterns and types
of land cover are of paramount importance, with regions that receive sufficient rainfall being given
precedence (Keys et al., 2012). The amalgamation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and
weighted overlay analysis enables the delineation of suitable locations, thus facilitating a systematic
appraisal of these criteria to optimize the selection of dam sites (Ajayakumar, 2024) (Lilimu, 2023).
Prevalent methodologies employed for the assessment of dam suitability and mapping
encompass the utilization of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in conjunction with Multi-Criteria
Decision Making (MCDM) techniques, such as the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). These
methodologies typically involve the synthesis of diverse thematic layers, including topography, land
utilization, soil classification, proximity to water bodies, and geological attributes, to generate
suitability maps. For instance, various studies have utilized weighted overlay analysis to evaluate and
prioritize potential dam locations based on criteria such as slope, drainage density, and stream order
(Rahmati et al., 2019). Moreover, Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) and satellite imagery are
frequently employed to derive requisite datasets, thereby augmenting the precision of site selection
(Preety et al., 2022) (Li et al., 2020). These methodologies not only streamline the decision-making
process but also furnish a scientific foundation for the sustainable management of water resources
(Barbhuiya & Das, 2023).
Salient factors influencing the selection of dam sites in suitability studies encompass a
comprehensive array of hydrological, geological, and environmental criteria. Research underscores the
significance of stream order, slope, soil classification, precipitation, and land cover as pivotal
determinants for the identification of optimal dam locations (Awais et al., 2025)(Anwer, 2025).
Additionally, elements such as catchment area, proximity to rivers and roadways, and geological
features are critical for ensuring effective water management (McGrane, 2016)(Asefa, 2024).
Advanced methodologies, including GIS-based frameworks and machine learning algorithms, have
been utilized to scrutinize these factors, resulting in suitability maps that classify prospective sites
(Ghosh & Bera, 2024) (Rane et al., 2023). Furthermore, the incorporation of climate change
ramifications and long-term monitoring is imperative for the sustainable construction of dams,
particularly in locales confronting water scarcity (Ho & Goethals, 2019) (Umukiza et al., 2024). In
summary, a thorough evaluation of these factors is essential for the improvement of water resource
management and the advancement of infrastructure development.
1.2. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
1.3. AIM AND OBJECTIVES:
1.4. PURPOSE OF STUDY
1.5. RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1.6. JUSTIFICATION FOR THE STUDY:
1.7. SCOPE OF THE STUDY
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