ARCGIS MAPPING DISPLAYS HYDROGEOLOGIC SURVEY DATA AESTHETICALLY, ACCURATELY, AND EFFICIENTLY FOR SCIENTIFIC AND NON-SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

Tamaula, a village of approximately 300 residents in the State of Guanajuato, Mexico, is located near the top of a Pleistocene shield volcano in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. The objective of this project was to use ArcView-GIS 9.3 to create several maps of this area using data management tools to display the hydrogeologic survey, and spatial analyst to identify strategic locations for cisterns. Tamaula’s population previously relied on three local sources for water: six natural springs, two reservoirs, and rooftop catchment systems. These sources were insufficient, and additional water had to be trucked over 10 miles of dirt roads. In May 2007 and 2008 students and faculty from Utah Valley University conducted a detailed geologic and hydrologic survey of the area and proposed several potential well sites for drilling. In 2009, the UVU Earth Science Department arranged for drilling of a 50m well close in proximity to a natural spring 1 km above the village. The well was successful and yielded approximately 40 liters per second. In 2010, we conducted an additional field study and assisted the May Foundation in piping the well water down to the village into a 4000 liter cistern, providing the villagers with a local source of culinary water. Drawdown tests performed indicate that the well is in a perched aquifer system with a limited amount of water. Further development of rooftop catchment systems (cisterns) may supplement well usage and permit sufficient recharge to the aquifer. GPS was used to exact coordinates for the Hydrologic survey. Mapped features included seeps, springs, wells, outcrops, fracture traces and contour elevations. Field notes and coordinates were added to the map for efficiency in field work. The second map displays several views identifying homes, tabulated survey data, and graphical information. ArcMap was used as a tool to correlate ground hydrologic features with patterns identifiable in area photos that included potential well sites and strategic cistern locations. Mapping assisted scientists in evaluating the hydrogeologic and environmental surveys. The maps instructed the villagers regarding the projects that included well drilling, monitoring well usage, and cistern construction. Our goal is to assist and enable the people to preserve a local, sustainable source of culinary water.