Aquifer mapping is a multi-disciplinary holistic scientific approach for aquifer characterization. It leads to aquifer-based groundwater management.

Mapping of aquifers helps determine the quantity and the quality of groundwater in a particular area, including:

• Vertical and lateral extent of aquifers
• Depth to water level/ piezometric surface in the aquifers
• Productivity of the aquifers
• Concentration of various chemical constituents in groundwater in different aquifers
• Current stage of groundwater development in various aquifers
• Identification of recharge and discharge areas of the aquifer
• Delineation of vulnerable areas with regard to exploitation and contamination

All such information is required to develop a strategy of sustainable groundwater management. The benefits of aquifer mapping include the following:

• Identifying zones for drilling productive wells.
• Understanding of aquifer vulnerability.
• Identification of streams at risk for reduced base flows as a result of heavy groundwater use.
• Formulation of effective aquifer management plans.
• Identification of areas for groundwater development, rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge.
• Information sharing with stakeholders.