Spatial multi-criteria for wetland site selection : a case study in Senibong, Johor

Abstract

Utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) in selecting wetland sites is crucial in preliminary suitability analysis; a method that use sets of data to identify highly suitable wetland sites. Several polluted areas along Lunchoo River in general lead to the water pollution of the river and affect the source of income for the Seletar people living in surrounding areas, thus an improvement is needed to avoid water pollution from worsening. This study focuses on analyzing the suitable site selection for wetland in Senibong by using spatial multi-criteria analysis. Five sets of data were used for this suitability study; hydrology, wetlands, soils, vegetation, and land use, all of which are key criteria for identifying suitable wetland sites. Methodology includes the creation of database, analysis on potential wetland locations and types of wetlands suitable for that particular location. Sampling location and point sources area being map together with the results of water quality to show the class of water quality for each sampling stations. The result of the wetland site selections in Senibong Cove were overlay with the land use map to find whether the site selections are suitable for wetland area. Land use map is important to see the pattern around the sampling point which has high or low quality of water.