Living in Quetta, I see water scarcity every day. But with GIS, we can actually map the problem and find solutions. Here’s what GIS can do for Balo

Question

Living in Quetta, I see water scarcity every day.

But with GIS, we can actually map the problem and find solutions.

Here’s what GIS can do for Balochistan:
1. **Groundwater mapping** - Identify depleted zones and recharge areas
2. **Karez system monitoring** - Track traditional water channels with satellite data
3. **Drought prediction** - Use rainfall + vegetation data to warn communities early
4. **Water project planning** - Site selection for dams, reservoirs, and pipelines

CPEC and smart city projects are coming, but without water data, development isn’t sustainable.

I’ve started working on small GIS projects around this. 6 badges earned so far, more water-focused maps coming!

What other GIS use-cases do you see for water management in arid regions?
#GIS #WaterManagement #Balochistan #Pakistan #CPEC #RemoteSensing #ArcGIS

BaratKhan · Answer

@WilliamTarpai Thank you very much for the warm welcome and for sharing such valuable resources! 🙏

I really appreciate your guidance. I’ve started watching the ESRI UC 2026 Plenary videos and the water management sessions were especially inspiring.
I will also explore the UN Country Team data, the 2026 SDSN report, and the ESRI Atlas you mentioned.

Your suggestion to connect with the local ESRI office for water research in Balochistan is excellent - I’ll reach out to them.
And I completely agree about introducing MAP MAKER in schools. Building GIS awareness among students in Quetta is so important for the future.

I’m currently working on a groundwater recharge suitability and Karez monitoring map for Quetta Valley. I’ll share it here in the community soon and would be grateful for your feedback.

Thanks again for supporting new members like me. Looking forward to learning from you and the entire ESRI Community!

WilliamTarpai · Answer

Thanks for posting, and welcome to ESRI Community.  Keep up posting about Quetta and your GIS mapping.  I would like to request posting a map about water use on the polo grounds, or places to stop when crossing the border traveling by bus from Kandahar to Quetta. Back to your request....

Water management is a very important issue to many people attending 2026 ESRI UC - I hope you have a chance to watch some of the Plenary. videos https://www.esri.com/en-us/about/events/uc/agenda/plenary#videos.

It is quite important the point you are making about data, but there is lots downloadable from UN country team.  Check the 2026 Sustainable Development Solutions Network - SD report as well.  ESRI and its Atlas are packed with good links.        I would encourage you to contact a local ESRI office to inquire about water management research that may be ongoing....

Definitely encourage local schools to find out about MAP MAKER, and help school children to learn and hone GIS skill sets.