ArcGIS is a GIS software where you can perform spatial analysis. If you have mapped the target coastal aquifer (field survey using GPS).  You can use these vector maps in ArcGIS and perform buffering, overlay, etc..

If you have access to a RS data that will help tremendously. You can classify image into well defined classes and use the image in  ArcGIS. For this latter you need to know remote sensing and how spectral reflectance of each band can distinguish each class (such as band rationing).

In short the options are numerous and what you can do and how you do it depends on the data you have and the know how you acquired over the years.

Good Luck, Mounir

Hi Sylus,

What actually you want to do with the data? Can you explain little more, then we can put more accurate and clear suggestions.

You can use either the vector (shapefile) based mapping or can interpolate using the raster options ( spatial analyst) in ArcGIS.

If you are taking the point based observation better is the spatial interpolation ( eg. IDW, or Krigging), to get the spatial distribution of salinity over the region. You can use the study area extent as limiting boundary. 

Hope this will help you.

Thanks.

Vijith

Some of the (or most of them) functions can also be performed in openGIS software such as QGis. You just have to download it and use it...

ArcGIS is certainly a very good solution to perform spatial analysis, but not so good for mapping. Very expensive if you have to use multiple extensions. And learning is quite heavy. I would also rather recommend having a look to QGIS. Global Mapper is also a good alternative for simple projects

Hi I thank  you all  for giving me the suggestion. I tried Qgis download in Ubuntu it got failed so i worked in Arcgis. It is good tool for digitizing. Currently i am doing interpolation. can anyone give literature relate to krigging or the procedure for groundwater quality interpolation.

Krigging is good for interpolation....

Use automatic interpolation with caution. Quality parameters on alluvial aquifer change based on intrinsic characteristics which do not necessarily follow a mathematical gradient that can be interpolated. My advice is to be guided by automatic interpolation only if you can manually draw the contours based on your knowledge on the aquifer intrinsic properties.

Regards