Spatial mapping and management of soil erosion using GIS: A global perspective

Abstract

Soil erosion by water and wind continues to degrade agricultural land, reduce reservoir capacity, and impair aquatic ecosystems worldwide. Integrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with erosion models has transformed the ability to quantify, visualise, and manage erosion risk across scales. This review synthesises global experience on spatial soil erosion mapping using GIS, with a particular focus on water erosion and the widespread application of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and related models. It examines key data sources, modelling frameworks, and typical workflows, and summarises case studies from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Special attention is given to Indian applications, including watershed-scale assessments in Nethravathi, Chilika, Sangareddy, and other basins, which illustrate how GIS-based mapping supports the prioritisation of conservation measures. The review discusses strengths and limitations of empirical and process-based models, emerging use of cloud platforms and machine learning, and the integration of GIS outputs into policy and land management. It concludes by identifying methodological gaps and proposing research and management priorities to improve erosion prediction, monitoring, and decision support under climate and land-use change.