The DINA-MAR hydrogeoportal. A GIS based application for determining the most suitable areas to apply MAR technique in Spain

Abstract

The article describes the procedure used during the DINA-MAR R&D project to determine those zones especially suitable for applying managed aquifer recharge (MAR) techniques (denominated MAR zones) in the Spanish Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic islands.

The procedure was based on a consecutive approach, from simple ratios to an advanced GIS based methodology, which lasted for three years.A second phase was carried out to find out the best facilities to be implemented in each “MAR zone”. Finally an estimate related to the average costs for MAR facilities and building work, depending on the water origin, was made to study the feasibility of implementing new activities.

On the basis of these calculations, a final tool was designed, called the “hydrogeoportal DINA-MAR”, which is now available on the Internet, as a means to provide a certain support to Spanish decision makers and experts in integrated water resource management.

These results have been linked to those of the previous stage, providing innovative and specific mapping for each phase. Such novel and unusual mapping provides valuable guidelines for the future development of MAR projects, making it an invaluable tool for water managers and practitioners to use prior to making any decision.

This paper describes the different steps in this line of action and explains how the calculi have been done.