Communication has been a part of human existence since the beginning of time. Visual communication has taken countless anthropological dimensions throughout history and is crucial in shaping societies. From spiritual and mystical, religious, and artistic expressions to practical and utilitarian terms used on a daily basis, they have remained a fundamental aspect of human experience. It is an indisputable force that demands attention and value due to its power to connect, inspire, and shape societal understanding. According to anthropology, some indigenous communities (e.g., Native North Americans, Papua New Guinean Aborigines, Natives of the Marshall Islands, or Eskimo from eastern Siberia, Alaska, and the Canadian Arctic) possess the knowledge and ability to create “maps”, i.e., they are skilled mapmakers [6]. This indigenous knowledge is often based on sacred respect for nature and the visual understanding of the ground (e.g., [15, 19, 21,22,23, 26]). Indigenous communities, like Aborigines, Eskimos, or native Americans, have the skills to create maps and charts using only natural materials such as wooden sticks, pebbles, leaves, stones, and shells. They can sketch a detailed and accurate representation of a given area or key ground spots, including watersheds, watercourses, water-holes, springs, lakes, and/or shorelines (e.g., [15, 19, 21, 22]). Despite being produced without modern tools, these charts have a scale and level of detail that rivals modern technology. The ability to create maps in this way is a fundamental aspect of human nature. Indeed, Nöllenburg [17] points out that an impressive thought related to geographic visualizations has been an essential part of human history since long before the arrival of computer graphics. The earliest examples of geographic visualizations date back to the Stone Age, when our ancestors painted map-like wall paintings to depict their surroundings. The study, practice, and art of creating maps have continuously evolved since its inception. Possibly countless of these rock carvings (the so-called petroglyphs) are in the early stages of charting by the representation of geographical areas or notable elements of the terrain where there were animals to hunt, drinking water sources, watercourses, vegetation, or even the type of geological landscape. Furthermore, there are records of several civilizations, from Classical Antiquity (with the strong influence of the Greeks, Phoenicians, and Romans) to the people of the Mediterranean basin (including Babylon, Egypt), Asia (China), and America (Aztecs and Native North Americans), in which could be outlined the role of the practical use of maps for multiple purposes (e.g. [2, 25, 29]). At the turn of the Middle Ages, particularly in the discovery ages triggered by the Atlantic exploration and beyond, maps and charts played a vital role in the development of astronomical navigation by the Portuguese in the XV century (e.g., [7, 8]). Recently, there has been a noticeable shift from technology-driven visualization towards human-centered approaches based on usability engineering approaches. This trend is driven by applying findings from cognitive research, which have led to a better understanding of how users process and interpret information (e.g., [10, 11, 20]). As a result, the focus is now on developing intuitive and user-friendly interfaces that prioritize usability and accessibility while still being visually appealing and engaging. In this context, the role of technology has been redefined, emphasizing enabling rather than driving visualization [17]. The techniques, procedures, design, and conceptualization used for map-making have improved significantly over time. In contrast to showing abstract data, geovisualization deals with geospatial data and visual analytics, i.e., georeferenced data in a robust and versatile geographic database that permits conceptual and numerical modeling (e.g., [11, 14, 17, 27]). In addition, Dykes et al. [10] stated the map is the primary tool for presenting, using, interpreting, and communicating geospatial data. At present, with new computer technologies and various digital platforms, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and geovisualization techniques, mainly, have increased the keen role in several scientific and technical fields (e.g., [10, 11, 14, 18, 27]). The coming years will bring new developments in spatial data acquisition technologies (e.g., Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar—InSAR, multibeam echosounder—MBES, Light Detection and Ranging—LiDAR sensors, Structure-from-Motion (SfM) and Multi-View-Stereo (MVS) for terrain modeling used in high-resolution photogrammetry) geovisual analytics and geospatial techniques, such as GIS and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), 3D/4D modeling, WebGIS and extended reality applications, which will allow for the assessment and visualization of spatial and temporal data series (e.g., [1, 11, 27]).

Recently, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) have revolutionized the field of Earth Sciences (e.g., [13, 16]). These immersive technologies are being used to visualize data, advance exploration research, and provide new opportunities for collaboration. Thus, AR and VR are opening new frontiers in geosciences, water, and environmental sciences, providing a more interactive and engaging way to study and understand the planet Earth (e.g., [9, 12, 28]).

An effective site evaluation is fundamental to hydrogeological practice. Developing comprehensive mapping techniques used in research and practice is essential to understand site conditions thoroughly. Mapping extends across various fields such as geosciences, hydrology, engineering, environmental studies, territory planning, or military operations. It is crucial to recognize the role of mapping in safeguarding a successful outcome for any project. Hydrogeological site conceptualization can be enhanced by adopting an integrated approach, improving water environmental sustainability. Nevertheless, a crucial challenge faced in groundwater practice is the availability of reliable field and laboratory data concerning the quality and quantity of resources.

Recently, there has been a growing emphasis on collecting, analyzing, integrating, and visualizing field data. Applying this integrated approach enhances the conceptualization of hydrogeological sites, thereby contributing to preserving water resources' environmental sustainability. Nevertheless, a pivotal concern that persists in groundwater practice is the requirement for dependable sources of field and laboratory data to accurately assess the quality and quantity of these resources (e.g., [1, 3,4,5, 24]).

The Topical Collection, “GIS Mapping and Geovisualization Techniques in Water Research and Practice”, encompasses articles focused on the interrelated fields of hydrology, water management and planning, groundwater science, and engineering, particularly on GIS mapping, geovisualization techniques, and geospatial analytics. This approach adopts a multifaceted perspective that comprehensively drives GIS mapping for water systems. It involves detailed characterization, thorough assessment, continuous monitoring, and effective management of various aspects of the water systems. This approach also highlights sustainability and eco-responsibility to ensure that water resources are managed to minimize environmental and societal impacts. It is important to note that these interlinkages are crucially connected to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, serving as a guiding plan towards an advanced, ethical, and environmentally conscious future.

The TC comprises 8 relevant studies on groundwater sustainability and management, focusing on environmental issues. Furthermore, the TC comprises model regions that illustrate the significance of the theme, mainly in South America (Brazil), the Middle East (Iran), Asia (India), and Europe (Portugal, Spain). The published articles highlight diverse studies and applications related to groundwater issues in different model regions, such as:

  1. i)

    A collection of papers examining the influence of precipitation patterns on hydrological conditions at different spatial and temporal scales with remote sensing and GIS-based mapping tools (e.g., detection of spatial and temporal precipitation patterns in watersheds; cloudburst analysis due to a sudden heavy rainfall impacting with a flash flood in a higher mountainous region; comparative geomorphometric approach to understanding the hydrological behavior and identification of the erosion-prone areas of a coastal watershed; groundwater assessment for agriculture purposes based on groundwater potential mapping to delineate the favorable abstraction areas);

  2. ii)

    A set of contributions to the groundwater quality status combining environmental indexes (e.g., groundwater quality zoning in terms of drinkability; temporal and spatial variation of the stable isotopes in a river area; a comparative GIS‑MCDA groundwater vulnerability assessment in a granitic and metasedimentary fractured rock media; a proposal DISCO‑URBAN index methodology for delineating springs safeguard zones as a tool for groundwater vulnerability mapping in local‑scale urban areas).

GIS-based mapping and geovisualization analysis constantly develop and incorporate various approaches from diverse fields. The use of visualization techniques, image analysis, information visualization, exploratory data analysis, and GIS-based tools can assist in a better understanding of geographical data. These advanced techniques offer limitless possibilities for exploring and analyzing data in new and innovative ways. This TC provides valuable water resource management, planning, and monitoring information. Some articles also highlight the importance of reaching a balance between sustainable groundwater resource management and addressing practical hydrological concerns, environmental protection, and climate change issues. GIS-based mapping can help communicate with practitioners, researchers, water-related professionals, and society. Using groundwater maps based on a cartographic reasoning approach is an excellent way to support a comprehensive, integrated geospatial analysis and visualizations that contribute to a balanced, sustainable evaluation, protection, management, and governance of water resources.