Physical & Human Geography of North Central Province

Project Overview

This project presents a comprehensive series of thematic maps illustrating the physical and human geographical characteristics of the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The map series was developed using GIS techniques to visually represent spatial patterns related to climate, topography, natural resources, population, and settlement structure.

Study Area

The study area covers the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, comprising the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa districts. The province is characterized by dry zone climatic conditions, ancient irrigation systems, agricultural landscapes, and diverse demographic patterns.

Data Sources

Rainfall data – Department of Meteorology, Sri Lanka
Temperature data – Global Solar Atlas
Contour, streams, and waterbodies data – DIVA-GIS
Land cover data – ESRI Global Land Cover (2023)
Soil data – FAO Digital Soil Map of the World (DSMW)
Population data – CityPopulation.de
Urban centres data – MapCruzin
Ethnic composition data – Department of Census and Statistics, Sri Lanka
Administrative boundaries – DIVA-GIS

All datasets were obtained from open-source and authoritative platforms and processed using GIS software for thematic map production.

Methodology

Spatial data preprocessing and layer organisation
Thematic classification of physical and human geography datasets
Cartographic symbolisation and colour standardisation
Map layout design with legends, scale bars, and north arrows
Compilation of a coherent thematic map series

Thematic Map Series

1. Rainfall Map: Illustrates spatial variation of annual rainfall across the province.

Temperature Map of North Central Province

2. Temperature Map: Displays average temperature distribution under dry zone conditions.

3. Contour Map: Represents elevation and terrain characteristics of the province.

4. Streams & Waterbodies: Shows rivers, tanks, and irrigation reservoirs.

5. Land Cover Map: Depicts forests, agricultural land, water bodies, and settlements.

6. Mineral Resources Map: Highlights the distribution of mineral resources.

7. Soil Map: Shows major soil types influencing agriculture.

8. Population Map: Illustrates population density and spatial distribution.

9. Urban Centers Map: Illustrates the locations of urban and sub-urban city centers across the North Central Province.

10. Ethnic Distribution Map: Shows spatial patterns of ethnic composition.

Key Observations

Rainfall and temperature patterns confirm dry zone characteristics
Topography is predominantly flat with gentle undulations
Dense tank networks support irrigated agriculture
Population clusters align with irrigation and urban centres
Land cover and soil patterns strongly influence land use

Tools & Skills

ArcGIS Pro
Thematic cartography
Spatial data interpretation
Map series design

Conclusion

This project strengthened practical skills in thematic mapping, cartographic design, and spatial interpretation of regional geography. The map series provides a clear visual understanding of the physical and human geography of the North Central Province.