GIS, Cartography and Remote Sensing Laboratory

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) play a vital role in those disciplines, particularly in the context of the Earth sciences, which are strongly based on the position, geometry and attributes of spatially referred objects.
When organized in a GIS, spatial data of any kind (geological, geomorphological, hydrogeological, geochemical and environmental, geothermal, etc., as well as administrative, infrastructural, social ...) and origin (scanned, digitized, directly or remotely acquired), can be analyzed and placed in relation to each other. By means of the spatial analysis, mutual coherence and consistency of data can be controlled, both in geographical (topological) and in attributive terms; moreover, new information can be derived and extracted.

New spatial information, both quantitative and qualitative, are also obtained through the analysis and processing of remote sensing data, mainly recorded from satellite sensors, allowing the detection, classification and monitoring of objects (and phenomena) located on the earth's surface and in the atmosphere through the measurement of the electromagnetic radiation reflected and/or emitted.

The ability to organize the geo-referenced spatial data in overlapping layers makes GIS fundamental not only with respect to the storage, management, analysis and processing of the available information, but also with regard to their visualization and mapping; GIS is an essential tool to synthesize and describe the observed natural systems and their manifestations.

Block diagram representing the conceptual schema elaborated for the Follonica plain (Tuscany, Italy) aquifer system.
Block diagram representing the conceptual schema elaborated for the Follonica plain (Tuscany, Italy) aquifer system.
Geomorphological map of the Rocamurata area (Parma, Italy), realized as part of a study on the stability conditions of damaged inhabited centers of the Emilia-Romagna Region.
Geomorphological map of the Rocamurata area (Parma, Italy), realized as part of a study on the stability conditions of damaged inhabited centers of the Emilia-Romagna Region.

INSTRUMENTS

LabGIS instruments and equipment consist of four workstations, a NAS file server for project data distribution, two large-format printer and an optical stereoscope. The software section, in addition to the main open source applications (QGIS, SNAP, SagaGIS, GRASS, BlenderGIS, SNAP), consists of ESRI ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Desktop 10.8.1, ENVI 5.6, Aquaveo GMS (Groundwater Modeling System) 9.2, ArcHydro Groundwater Tools 3.5  softwares.

A workstation is available to IGG researchers, trainees and project partners; it is also available a table of large dimensions (250 x 150 cm) for drawing and consultation of maps.

STAFF

Dr. Giulio Masetti (Lab Responsible)

Dr. Giuseppe Cosentino

Dr. Giuseppe Turrini

CONTACTS

Phone:

+39 050 6213275

E-mail:

giulio.masetti(at)igg.cnr.it

giuseppe.cosentino(at)igg.cnr.it

giuseppe.turrini(at)igg.cnr.it

labgis(at)igg.cnr.it

 

METHODS AND APPLICATIONS

LabGIS operates through the acquisition, interpretation, management and processing of surface and subsoil spatial data, mainly in the fields of geology, geomorphology and characterization of groundwater resources. In this context, activities and related techniques include:

  • acquisition, interpretation, management, analysis and processing of surface and subsoil spatial data: data projection and transformation; geoprocessing, spatial analysis, geostatistics, interpolation and spatialization tecniques; digital elevation models; subsoil geological and hydrogeological 3D solid models; morphological and morphometric parameters calculation;
  • design, implementation and deployment of project databases: geodatabase design; logical, physical and conceptual data models; topology rules and relations.
  • analysis and processing of remote sensing digital imagery and data, multispectral, multiresolution and multiplatform: orthorectification and correction; image enhancing; pansharpening; filtering; object-oriented classification techniques; multitemporal series analysis; change detection; stereo aerial photo analysis and interpretation;
  • realisation of thematic and seismic microzonation maps; digitization and georeferencing of raster data; map editing; styles definition and symbols libraries construction.
3D reconstruction of the Cornia multilayer aquifer (Tuscany, Italy), performed through the analysis and correlation of stratigraphic data (a), the realization of hydrostructural cross-sections (b) and the computation of the main aquifer and aquitard/aquic
3D reconstruction of the Cornia multilayer aquifer (Tuscany, Italy), performed through the analysis and correlation of stratigraphic data (a), the realization of hydrostructural cross-sections (b) and the computation of the main aquifer and aquitard/aquiclude geometries and volumes (c). Every builded horizon is represented by a “geovolume” (d), consisting of prisms placed between its top and bottom surfaces.
Grid format representation of the bottom (a) and top (b) surfaces and thickness (c) of an hydrostructural horizon that was reconstructed as a geovolume.
Grid format representation of the bottom (a) and top (b) surfaces and thickness (c) of an hydrostructural horizon that was reconstructed as a geovolume.
Morphological and morphometric parameters derived from an ASTER Global Digital Elevation Model (GDEM, 30m) scene: hillshade (left), slope (center) and TPI (Topographic Position Index) Landform (right).
Morphological and morphometric parameters derived from an ASTER Global Digital Elevation Model (GDEM, 30m) scene: hillshade (left), slope (center) and TPI (Topographic Position Index) Landform (right).
Different band combinations and processing of a multispectral LANDSAT 8 image, in order to investigate the distribution of volcanic rocks in the Marsabit region (Kenya): (left) natural color (432); (center) false color combination (652, converted from RGB
Different band combinations and processing of a multispectral LANDSAT 8 image, in order to investigate the distribution of volcanic rocks in the Marsabit region (Kenya): (left) natural color (432); (center) false color combination (652, converted from RGB to HSV color model), showing lava flows and basaltic rocks in red; (right) IHS (Intensity/Hue/Saturation) fusion, showing in red the ones that appear to be more recent volcanic rocks and flows.
Geological-geomorphological map of the Torrio area (Piacenza, Italy), realized as part of a study on the stability conditions of damaged inhabited centers of the Emilia-Romagna Region
Geological-geomorphological map of the Torrio area (Piacenza, Italy), realized as part of a study on the stability conditions of damaged inhabited centers of the Emilia-Romagna Region

PROJECTS

LabGIS participates in projects aiming at improving knowledge and protection of land and groundwater resources and the production of geological and geothematic databases and maps

  • 2005-2007: Geological and Geomorphological map of the Tuscany Region, scale 1:10.000.
  • 2006-2010: Geodatabase of the Tuscany Groundwater Bodies.
  • 2008-2010: Tuscany Region slope stability and superficial deposits cartography
  • 2008-2010: Stability analysis of Emilia-Romagna Region damaged inhabited centers.
  • 2009-2013: Identification of the Tuscany groundwater resources protection zones (recharge areas, reserve zones).
  • 2011: ZEBU (POR FESR 2017/2013)
  • 2011-2016: Advances in knowledge of the Tuscany Region aquifer system. Update and upgrade of the Tuscany Groundwater Bodies geodatabase
  • 2012: CREA (POR FESR 2017/2013)
  • 2013: CNR Project “GEOTHERMAL ATLAS”
  • 2013-2015: Geobasi – The Geochemical database of Tuscany
  • 2016-2017: Implementation, maintenance and management of the Tuscany Region geological databases
  • 2016-2018: FREEWAT (EU Horizon 2020)
  • 2016-2019: Study of the impacts of the climate change on groundwater bodies for drinking water supply purposes in the Turin area (SMAT – Società Metropolitana Acque Torino S.p.A.)
  • 2017-2020: MONPREVIDRO - Preventive monitoring of the quantitative status of water resources intended for drinking water use based on meteorological, climatological and hydrogeological forecasts
  • 2018: NEXTDATA – A national system for the retrieval, storage, access and diffusion of environmental and climate data from mountain and marine areas.  (National Research Programme, NRP 2011-2013).
  • 2018-2020: Geomorphological database of the Tuscany Region (provinces of Livorno and Siena ), scale 1:10.000. Banca dati geomorfologica delle province di Livorno e Siena in scala 1:10.000
  • 2018-2021: Geological and geomorphological study of the Val di Fine and Volterra-Cerbaie basins (province of Pisa)
  • 2019-2021: MINIDROSA – Integrated methodologies for the management and protection of the water resource (SMAT – Società Metropolitana Acque Torino S.p.A.)
  • 2019-2021: ASTERIS – Adaptation to Saltwater inTrusion in sEa level Rise Scenarios (Interreg V A Italia Croazia, ID Project n. 10048765)
  • 2020: Creation of the manual for the preparation of seismic microzonation cartography according to the Standards of representation and IT archiving and construction of the related standardized symbology (for QGIS and Adobe Illustrator)
  • 2020- : Conceptual and numerical modeling of the "Panna" (Sanpellegrino) aquifer system
  • 2020- : Study and modeling of the aquifer system of the Upper Brenta plain
  • 2020- : Integrated geological researches in the "Palina" (Sanpellegrino) mining concession area and surround
  • 2021: Realization of the QGIS MzS Tools Plugin for the seismic microzonation geodatabase and maps
  • 2021- : Geological Map of Italy at scale 1: 50.000 (CARG); geodatabase and print layout of geological sheets no. 277 “Bibbiena”, 288 “Arezzo” and 320 “Castel del Piano”.

MAIN SCIENTIFIC INTERESTS

Aquifer systems stratigraphy and hydrostructure; construction of geological and hydrostructural 3D solid models for the implementation of numerical flow models

Land protection and assessment of the degree of geological hazard through the analysis of deposits, forms and related geomorphological processes related to the slope, fluvial and coastal dynamic in the various geological contexts; stability conditions of damaged inhabited centers.

Implementation of tools and procedures for the thematic cartography of geological risks.

Block diagram representing the conceptual schema elaborated for a sector of the Versilia coastal plain aquifer system
Block diagram representing the conceptual schema elaborated for a sector of the Versilia coastal plain aquifer system
Rappresentazione in ambiente GIS della Banca Dati dei Corpi Idrici Sotterranei della Regione Toscana: Corpo Idrico della Pianura del fiume Cornia.
Rappresentazione in ambiente GIS della Banca Dati dei Corpi Idrici Sotterranei della Regione Toscana: Corpo Idrico della Pianura del fiume Cornia.
Left: Brightness temperature computed by the thermal band of a LANDSAT 7 scene (Larderello area, Tuscany, Italy – 20.06.2000) Right: Thermic anomalies achieved through the application of the RX Anomaly Detection algorithm.
Left: Brightness temperature computed by the thermal band of a LANDSAT 7 scene (Larderello area, Tuscany, Italy – 20.06.2000)
Right: Thermic anomalies achieved through the application of the RX Anomaly Detection algorithm.
Geomorphological map of the Tuscany Region: over 700 maps were edited between 2006 and 2007 as part of the production of the regional thematic cartography (scale 1:10.000) derived from the geological one.
Geomorphological map of the Tuscany Region: over 700 maps were edited between 2006 and 2007 as part of the production of the regional thematic cartography (scale 1:10.000) derived from the geological one.
Right: Thermic anomalies achieved through the application of the RX Anomaly Detection algorithm.
Map of the hydraulic issues and damages detected in a Regione Emilia-Romagna inhabited center.
Map of the hydraulic issues and damages detected in a Regione Emilia-Romagna inhabited center.

PUBLICATIONS

  • Raco B., Vivaldo G., Doveri M., Menichini M., Masetti G., Battaglini R., Irace A., Fioraso G., Marcelli I., Brussolo E. (2021) – Geochemical, geostatistical and time series analysis techniques as a tool to achieve the Water Framework Directive goals: An example from Piedmont region (NW Italy). (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gexplo.2021.106832). Journal of Geochemical Exploration, Vol. 229, October 2021, 106832. 20 pp. (ISSN 0375-6742).
  • Vignaroli G., Mancini M., Bucci F., Cardinali M., Cavinato G.P., Moscatelli M., Putignano M.L., Santangelo M., Ardizzone F., Cosentino G., Di Salvo C., Fiorucci F., Gaudiosi I., Peronace E., Polpetta F., Reichenbach P., Simionato M., Stigliano F. (2019). Geology of the central part of the Amatrice Basin (Central Apennines, Italy). Journal of Maps, vol. 15, p. 193-202, ISSN: 1744-5647, doi: doi.org/10.1080/17445647.2019.1570877
  • Ottria G., Ellero A., Masetti G., Turrini G. (2019) - La geologia strutturale: un approccio scientifico per la ricerca d'acqua. Articolo pubblicato sul blog di Acquifera Onlus: www.acquifera.org/2019/03/22/la-geologia-strutturale-un-approccio-scientifico-per-la-ricerca-dacqua/
  • Masetti G., Da Prato S., Menichini M, et al. (2017) – Dal modello concettuale al modello numerico: il caso di studio del sistema acquifero di Follonica (GR, Toscana meridionale). (DOI: 10.3301/ROL.2017.13). Rend. Online, Soc. Geol. It., Vol. 42 (2017), pp-54-58, 3 figs. (ISSN 2035-8008).
  • Menichini M., Da Prato S., Doveri M., Ellero A., Lelli M., Masetti G., Nisi B., Raco B. (2015) – An integrated methodology to define Protection Zones for groundwater-based drinking water sources: an example from the Tuscany Region, Italy. Acque Sotterranee – Italian Journal of Groundwater, Vol. 4, n. 139, 21-27.
  • Raco B., Buccianti A., Corongiu M., Lavorini G., Macera P., Manetti F., Mari R., Masetti G., Menichetti S., Nisi B., Protano G., Romanelli S. (2015) – GEOBASI: The geochemical Database of Tuscany Region (Italy). Acque Sotterranee – Italian Journal of Groundwater, Vol. 4, n. 139, 7-18.
  • Autori vari (2014) – VIGOR: Sviluppo geotermico nelle Regioni della Convergenza. Progetto VIGOR – Valutazione del Potenziale Geotermico nelle Regioni della Convergenza, POI Energie Rinnovabili e Risparmio Energetico 2007-2013, CNR-IGG, ISBN: 9788879580113.
  • Masetti G., Ottria G., Ghiselli F., Ambrogio A., Rossi G., Zanolini L. (2013) – Multidisciplinary Study of the Torrio Landslide (Northern Apennines, Italy) in: C. Margottini et al. (eds.), Landslide Science and Practice, Vol. 1, DOI 10.1007/978-3-642-31325-7_23, # Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013.
  • Vaselli L., Ellero A., Masetti G., Ottria G. (2013) – Contributo dell’analisi geologico-strutturale allo studio dei massi erratici delle Alpi Apuane: dati preliminari sul blocco della Rondinella (Vagli di Sopra, Lucca). Acta apuana, IX-X (2010-2011), 29-42.
  • Doveri M., Nisi B., Cerrina Feroni A., Ellero A., Menichini M., Lelli M., Masetti G., Da Prato S., Principe C., Raco B. (2012) - Geological, hydrodynamic and geochemical features of the volcanic aquifer of Mt. Amiata (Tuscany, Central Italy): an overview. Acta Vulcanologica, 23 (1-2), 2011 / 24 (1-2), 2012, 51-72.
  • Raco B., Cerrina Feroni A., Da Prato S., Doveri M., Ellero A., Lelli M., Masetti G., Nisi B., Marini L. (2011) - Environmental Security Issues Related to Impacts of Anthropogenic Activities on Groundwater: Examples from the Real World. In: A. Scozzari A., El Mansouri B. (edited by): Water Security in the Mediterranean Region. An international evaluation of management, control and governance approaches. NATO Science for Peace and Security Series C: Environmental Security, DOI 10.1007/978-94-007-1623-0_11, © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 11, 153-162
  • Cerrina Feroni A., Da Prato S., Doveri M., Ellero A., Lelli M., Marini L., Masetti G., Nisi B. & Raco B. (2010) – Corpi idrici sotterranei della Val di Cecina. Editore Manetti P., Memorie descrittive della Carta Geologica d’Italia, vol. LXXXIX, pp. 99.
  • Cerrina Feroni A., Ellero A., Masetti G., Ottria G., Pardini E. (2008) – I Corpi Idrici Sotterranei Significativi della Regione Toscana (DGRT 225/2003). Inquadramento regionale. Perimetrazione e ricostruzione. Prospettive e sviluppi. Regione Toscana, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche – Istituto di Geoscienze e Georisorse, Consorzio LaMMa. Centro stampa Giunta Regione Toscana (pp. 134).