It is essential to identify the spatial distribution and use of water resources to develop appropriate strategies for their use. Therefore, this work aimed to estimate the spatial distribution of economic and ecological WUP and relate it to NDWI and evapotranspiration in the San Luis Potosí state, México. The methodology in this study involved a multitemporal analysis of the WUP in the State corresponding to 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2015. This study was realized through the application of economic and ecological indicators. Also, to understand the behavior of water reservoirs in the basins in the study area, we determined the Normalized Water Differential Index from Landsat 8 imagery. In addition, the Evapotranspiration Real was calculated. The results of NDWI showed that, from 1990 to 2015, there was a decrease in moisture content, becoming more evident in 2000. This study found that secondary and tertiary activities significantly influence yearly economic value. From 1990 to 2000, the GDP value doubled, while from 2000 to 2010 tripled, and for 2015 the increase was nearly 25% compared to 2010. The WUPeconomic’s and Ecological’s highest values were obtained in the most important urban areas of the state because secondary and tertiary activities are mainly developed. Finally, the ETR's highest values are in the Huasteca region of the state. The relationship between ETR and WUP is vital for understanding water consumption in a region.
Keywords: geographic information system; land use mapping; remote sensing; spatial distribution