MLRP Mapping Toolkit – Basin Datasets

This repository contains the spatial datasets used in the MLRP Mapping Toolkit, a web-based decision-support tool developed to support California’s Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program (MLRP).

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Study Areas

The datasets include Public Land Survey (PLS) section polygons for two critically overdrafted groundwater subbasins in California’s San Joaquin Valley:

• Kaweah Subbasin
• Tule Subbasin

Each basin folder contains Public Land Survey (PLS) section polygons with both input and processed suitability data.

Web Applications:

• Kaweah Tool: http://169.236.229.50:3838/Kaweah_OpenApp/
• Tule Tool: http://169.236.229.50:3838/Tule_OpenApp/

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Repository Structure

Kaweah/
├── Kaweah_PLS_sections.shp
├── Kaweah_PLS_sections.dbf
├── Kaweah_PLS_sections.shx
├── Kaweah_PLS_sections.prj
└── Kaweah_DataDictionary.xlsx

Tule/
├── Tule_PLS_sections.shp
├── Tule_PLS_sections.dbf
├── Tule_PLS_sections.shx
├── Tule_PLS_sections.prj
└── Tule_DataDictionary.xlsx

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Spatial Information

• Geometry: Polygon (PLS Sections)
• Resolution: 1-mile sections
• Projection: NAD83 / California Albers – EPSG:3310

Each polygon represents the common spatial unit used to calculate suitability scores.

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Dataset Contents

Each shapefile includes:

Input Variables

• Hydrologic and recharge data
• Agricultural characteristics
• Renewable energy potential
• Habitat and conservation metrics
• Flood risk indicators
• Environmental health variables

Processed Outputs

• Normalized variables
• Fuzzy logic transformations
• Suitability index scores

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Data Dictionary

Each basin folder includes an Excel file containing:

• Variable names
• Descriptions
• Units
• Processing notes

Please consult the data dictionary before conducting analysis.

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Disclaimer

Suitability scores are relative indicators intended for screening and prioritization purposes. They are not designed for parcel-level decisions.

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Citation

If using these datasets, please cite:

Nuñez-Bolaño, Y., Flores-Landeros, H., Rodríguez-Flores, J. M., Fernandez-Bou, A. S., Medellín-Azuara, J., & Harmon, T. C. (2025). A participatory approach for developing a geospatial toolkit for mapping the suitability of California’s Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program (MLRP) in support of groundwater sustainability. Frontiers in Water, 7, 1539834.[https://doi.org/10.3389/frwa.2025.1539834].

Contact

Yelenka Nunez-Bolano
University of California, Merced ynunezbolano@ucmerced.edu