3D Open Source
Find out how to create a 3D reproduction of an area using only open source software like QGIS, without spending anything. Step by step guide using DEM, CTR and Qgis2threejs plugin.
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A GIS for...
What are GIS for? Below is a list of activities where GIS are indispensable.
Analysis of Copernicus data relating to the 2017 fires on Vesuvius
An analysis of the damage caused by the 2017 fires in the Vesuvius National Park, based on Copernicus, Corine Land Cover and DTM LiDAR data, with an assessment of the destroyed and damaged areas.
Analysis of PM10 trends in Northern Italy
With this Jupyter Notebook I want to show how I processed the CAMS data relating to PM10 that I talked about in this article.
Archaeology
Archaeology is one of the disciplines that benefits most from GIS tools. Here is an example of how GIS can support an archaeological survey.
Because I write articles and create videos
Sharing knowledge stimulates growth, awareness and creates community. My contents are my CV, to stimulate reflections and generate professional opportunities.
BIG Data you don't expect
Explore the potential of underestimated Big Data in Public Administration and how it can transform into strategic resources for mobility and territorial services.
Calculation of the real surface: comparison between DTMs
Comparison between DTM ISPRA 20m/px and DTM LiDAR 1m/px to calculate the real surface of a flat area near Naples, highlighting the differences in precision.
Check the photovoltaic potential of a roof
Learn how to estimate the photovoltaic potential of a roof using QGIS and Python. Analyze inclination, orientation and energy production to optimize the installation of a system.
Coronavirus: certainties and data
Reflections on Covid-19, highlighting human certainties, the unpredictability of events and the importance of data for understanding and dealing with the pandemic.
Corruption Perception Index: what it is and why it is important
Explanation of the Corruption Perception Index (CPI), its evaluation methodology and importance for investments. Analysis of Italy's position in the last 10 years and comparison with Pa
Create a raster and a vector of the elevation bands
Learn to create a raster and elevation vector in QGIS using GRASS GIS. Step by step guide with a DEM, altimetric reclassification and conversion to polygons.
Critical thinking
Critical thinking is the basis of human evolution. Don't confuse the tool with reasoning, especially with the use of artificial intelligence.
Cut a line with a point
Find out how to tackle the problem of cutting a line at a point, overcoming the difficulties related to floating points, using different solutions in Python with Shapely.
Cycling in the urban heat: the climate changes, we don't
Cycling between scorching heat and islands of coolness I "felt" climate change. We need more greenery in the city, but without vision and funds we remain still... sweating.
Digital Economy and Society Index
The Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) highlights Italy's position and the difficulties related to digitalisation and bureaucracy for startups and innovation.
Extension of population centers from 1991 to 2011
Analysis of the extension of population centers in Italy from 1991 to 2011 with ISTAT data. Focus on urbanisation, hydrogeological risks and implications for the territory and citizen services.
Fires in Campania
Analysis of forest fires in Campania, with a focus on the Vesuvius fire in 2017. Explores the use of satellite data to monitor damage and vegetative recovery after devastating events
Fix invalid geometries
Learn how to fix geometry with Self-intersection errors in PostGIS using functions like ST_MakeValid, ST_IsValid, and more. A practical guide to ensuring correct topologies in your GIS data.
From CAD to GIS. Convert polylines to polygons
When I convert CAD data into GIS format the first thing I do is a topological check. It is important because in this way I can identify the open polylines that I will certainly generate
From Point to PointZ
Learn how to convert a 2D point vector to 3D using QGIS and GRASS GIS geoalgorithms. Step-by-step tutorial with practical examples and attached datasets.
FULL TIME, €1500 per month!
A critical analysis of job offers requiring VAT number for a full-time job at €1,500 per month, highlighting fiscal pressures and economic sustainability for professionals.
Geographic information and gambling addiction
The article analyzes how GIS and geomarketing can identify areas at risk of gambling addiction, studying the distribution of betting centers in Casalnuovo di Napoli.
Geographic information falls within the UNINFO regulations
The UNI 11621-5:2018 standard defines 4 professional profiles in geographical information, integrating them with the AGID Guidelines for tenders and public procurement.
Geomarketing
Every municipality should have a plan for commercial activities, but that is only one of the areas where geomarketing can be an indispensable GIS tool.
GeoPackage: a Valid Alternative to the Shapefile Format!
Learn why GeoPackage is an ideal format for geographic data: open, OGC-compliant, topological, flexible, and capable of replacing the old shapefile.
Having a zero error rate is impossible!
Zero error is impossible: reflections on measurements, approximations and a working experience with a "know-it-all" client.
How much does a Consultant cost?
A Consultant's compensation depends on factors such as tax regime, tools, utilities and training. It is important to avoid "supermarket syndrome" when budgeting.
How New Yorkers get around
Observations on how New Yorkers get around the city, highlighting the efficiency of public transportation, the use of bicycles and the culture of sustainable mobility.
How to georeference a raster that has no known points
Guide on how to georeference a raster without known points using GCP (Ground Control Points) in QGIS, with the help of georeferenced mapping of the area of interest.
How to import a DWG in QGIS
Learn how to import DWG files into QGIS by converting them to DXF using free tools like Draftsight. A simple guide to overcome format limitations and work efficiently in QGIS.
How to Import a Shapefile into Google Earth
Convert shapefiles to KML for viewing in Google Earth using QGIS. This guide simplifies the process, enabling seamless visualization of geospatial data in Google Earth.
How to turn a pdf into a raster
Guide on how to turn a PDF into a raster image using GIMP, with simple steps to get a good result without scanning.
Hydraulics&GIS: tank elevation and approach pipeline route
Learn how to use QGIS to design the optimal elevation of a reservoir and plot the route of an approach pipeline, combining raster data and GIS tools for efficient analysis.
Ideas for sustainable mobility
Proposals to improve sustainable mobility in Italy, including incentives for electric bicycles, the role of the Mobility Manager and the creation of cycle paths and 30 zones.
In Casalnuovo di Napoli 20 years of stasis
There is a crowd of boys and girls that I couldn't imagine meeting at this hour. At least a hundred.
In which direction is Italy looking?
Tutorial to calculate the exposure of the Italian territory using DEM and QGIS. Analysis of slopes and cardinal directions to find out in which direction Italy "looks".
Intervisibility analysis
Find out how to perform a visibility analysis (viewshed) with Python, using the ISPRA DEM and libraries such as GeoPandas and xarray to calculate the areas visible from various observation points.
Investigative Journalism
Can GIS support investigative journalism? Absolutely. Mapping events and evidence can reveal patterns that are hard to see otherwise.
It's a question of culture
Reflection on cultural change in southern Italy, criticizing the idea that culture is a genetic condition and arguing that change requires personal sacrifices and a long process.
Italian archaeological sites
How much archaeological evidence from the Roman era is present in Italy? I tried to answer this question with this Jupyter Notebook
Land cover analysis in Italy
Analysis conducted using Python of land cover variation using CORINE LAND COVER 1990-2018 data
Land use in Campania. Data from the Corine Land Cover project
Analysis of Corine Land Cover 2000-2012 data on land use in Campania, with focus on land consumption, anthropic changes, natural areas and water resources management.
Least long line in a list
Learn how to find the shortest line in a list using Shapely and sort lines by length. A simple method to measure and visualize geospatial data in Python.
LiDAR: perfectly reproduce the reality around us
Discover LiDAR technology for high-resolution topographic surveys. Applications in monitoring, census and urban development.
Managing a NetCDF file
Learn how to manage and analyze NetCDF files with Python, using libraries like xarray, geopandas, and matplotlib to work with temporal and spatial data.
Managing Public Green Spaces
Managing public green spaces, from maintenance to improvement planning, is one of the activities that can be organized effectively with GIS.
Mapping of PM10 trends in Northern Italy
This final article in the series maps the analysis areas discussed in the previous posts, adding the spatial view that had not yet been shown.
Monitor the World from Above
Sentinel-2 image analysis shows the impact of COVID-19 on the water turbidity of the Venice Lagoon and the limitations of the methodology in deep environments.
Observations at the PUM of Casalnuovo di Napoli
Analysis of the PUM of the Municipality of Casalnuovo di Napoli: an objective analysis of the potential and weaknesses
Outdoor Advertising Inventory
Surveying outdoor advertising assets helps road authorities monitor legality, revenue, and compliance, with GIS as a practical support tool.
Pedestrianization of via Partenope and cycle path along the seafront
Controversy over the pedestrianization of Via Partenope and cycle path in Naples: analysis of the impacts on sustainable mobility, local economy and quality of life.
Personal manifesto on Sharing Knowledge
Sharing knowledge is not a loss of competitive advantage, but an opportunity to grow and create value. A personal manifesto on the importance of Sharing Knowledge.
Photovoltaics and GIS: how to identify the usability of a roof!
Find out how to use GIS to identify roofs suitable for installing photovoltaic systems. Analysis with DSM, slopes, exposure and calculation of potential in Kwp.
PM10 trend in northern Italy over the last decade
Analysis of PM10 in northern Italy from 2013 to March 2024 using CAMS data. Focus on exceedances, annual accumulations and impacts, with reflections on environmental policies and possible causes.
Politics as it should be
Mafia Capitale is not the only case of corruption in politics and unfortunately it will not be the last.
Precision Agriculture
In recent years agriculture has seen a growing number of survey techniques in which GIS methods also play an important role.
Processing ISTAT data and OGC of the National Geoportal - PART 1
Analysis of ISTAT and OGC data: management of non-homogeneous encoding, correction of topological errors and fusion of census data with geometries to obtain reliable insights.
Processing ISTAT data and OGC of the National Geoportal - PART 2
Exploring problems in using National Geoportal WFS data: errors with Fiona, incompatibilities with OWSLib and workarounds to obtain correct data for GIS analysis.
Public Lighting Inventory
A public lighting inventory helps map lighting assets, estimate energy use, and support efficiency strategies and smarter city management.
Query: select part of a string excluding some characters
Learn how to select part of a string in QGIS using the substr operator, excluding certain characters, to filter data accurately and quickly.
Recent graduates: only 2 in 10 work in their field
An analysis of the gap between universities and the world of work in Italy, based on AlmaLaurea data and direct experience, with a focus on the difficulties of practical application of study paths.
Remove duplicates from a vector
How to eliminate duplicates in a linear vector using SQL and the Topology Checker plugin in QGIS. A practical case with OSM and PostGIS hydrographic data.
The Road Cadastre
Road authorities are required to establish and keep updated maps, a road cadastre, and related assets under the rules set by ministerial decree.
The Road Sign Cadastre
This article explains why a road sign cadastre is useful and how GIS can support it within the Italian Highway Code framework.
School Mobility
One of the fields where GIS tools are essential is sustainable mobility. Here is a practical example built around a school.
Shapefile or cartographic DB: which to choose?
Comparison between shapefile and geodatabase (cartographic DB), exploring the differences, advantages and use cases to choose the best solution based on the amount of data and processing required
Square circumscribed to the polygon
Find out how to create a square bounding box for polygons using PostGIS, with practical examples on the Municipalities of the Metropolitan City of Naples.
SS268, a problem not yet solved
State Road 268 crosses eastern metropolitan Naples, skirts Vesuvius, and serves as an escape route in the event of an eruption.
Startups: learning from failures
Advice and reflections on how to learn from failures in creating a startup, from the team to economic management and the development of the idea.
Strategic Vision
Reflection on the lack of strategic vision in Italy regarding sustainable mobility and public policies, criticizing the failure to comply with laws and the inefficient management of European funds
Study on the use of a cycling infrastructure with QGIS
Analysis on the use of the Naples cycle path with QGIS. Data from the European Cycling Challenge 2015, heatmap and study of cycling flows to answer the question: is the cycle path used?
Subservice network: regulatory framework
The article reviews Italian and European rules for mapping underground utility networks, focusing on laws and directives that require municipalities to adopt information systems for their management.
Suburbs: the time has come to change them
Reflection on the condition of the suburbs in large Western metropolises, analyzing the link between social degradation and phenomena of violence and radicalization. Appeal to the need to rethink
Sustainable Mobility: what is it?
Exploration of sustainable mobility, the actions necessary to improve urban circulation and the resulting environmental, social and economic benefits.
Switch from Point to PointZ
How to add elevation to a point dataset in Python using geopandas, rasterio and rioxarray, exploring different methods to obtain Z values.
TAV Afragola: a cathedral in the desert
The Afragola TAV station, designed as a strategic hub, is today an example of unfulfilled promises, abandonment and accusations of fraud, including seized parking spaces and lack of connections.
Temporal analysis on the Vesuvius fire area
In recent days I have updated the webmap that I published in 2021 by inserting the new data obtained with the analysis processes I talk about in the video
Territorial Planning and Management
Territorial planning and management are unthinkable without GIS, yet CAD is still used too often even for planning tasks such as a municipal urban plan.
Territorial Promotion
Territorial promotion is another field where GIS can help, from interactive itineraries to web, print, and mobile experiences.
The 30 zones
30 zones are a traffic calming strategy to increase safety in residential areas. With their design and educational policies, they improve urban livability and protect
The areas at greatest risk of flooding in Italy
Analysis of the areas at greatest flood risk in Italy: 490,000 Lombard residents exposed. Maps, ISTAT data and GIS techniques to understand the problem.
The car parks near the MUSA area
I report here an elaboration made by identifying the car parks already present close to the MUSA area, the MUSA is an open-air shopping center like the "La Reggia" outlet (or would like to be)
The GIS approach
An article that debunks the myth of GIS as simple software, inviting us to consider the methodological approach and the importance of critical thinking in spatial analysis.
The Hambach forest and the Etzweiler village
The Hambach Forest and the village of Etzweiler have disappeared due to lignite mining. Despite promises of restoration, the destruction of the land has continued for decades.
The software controversy
The world of work requires you to be flexible in your use of tools. You may be thinking: <<What does this have to do with the GIS world?>>
The streets belong to everyone!
Reflection on the transformation of urban streets from shared spaces to areas dominated by cars, highlighting the danger for pedestrians and the impoverishment of urban liveability.
Underground Utility Networks
Underground utility networks are often poorly documented. This article explains why structured GIS-based records matter and which rules govern them.
Urban Mobility
A GIS can also support urban mobility management because GIS are, above all, decision-support systems.
Using Lidar files with QGis: article + tutorial
Learn how to use LiDAR files in QGIS, load .xyz data, and create 3D models, contour lines, and other raster processing. Practical exercise included!
Vectors: A type of real-world representation in the GIS field
Introduction to the concept of vector in GIS, exploring the relationship between vector graphics, mathematical vectors and geometric primitives (points, lines, polygons) in GIS.
Vesuvius, August 2025: 716 hectares burned according to satellite data
Vesuvius fire August 2025: analysis with Sentinel-2 data, damage estimate, CLC areas affected and comparison with the 2017 event.
Visibility analysis
Learn how to perform a visibility analysis with QGIS and GRASS GIS to evaluate the visual impact or visual accessibility of an area. Insights into the role of DEM and key parameters.
Walking in the city: why not?
Reflection on the benefits of walking in the city and the inconsistency of using the car for short distances. Analysis of ISTAT data regarding the population resident in Italy and the potential of the
We know everything about everyone but how do we use this information?
We live in a data society, which is essential for understanding and improving the world. The correct and informed use of data is crucial for the collective interest, not for the profit of a few.
What are map projections?
Introduction to cartographic projections, fundamental functions for representing the three-dimensional surface of the Earth on a plane. Discover the main types of projection and their characteristics
What GIS are and how they are used?
GIS are powerful tools for decision-making, enabling the analysis and visualization of spatial data. This article explains their structure, applications, and role in various fields.
What is an ellipsoid used for?
Learn about the importance of the ellipsoid in cartographic reference systems and how it approximates the shape of the Earth for accurate GIS representations.
What is the Geoid for?
Find out what the geoid is, its relationship to the Earth's gravity and why it is essential for calculating elevations and representing the Earth's surface in GIS projects.
When you hear about GIS what do you think of?
A survey on LinkedIn explores what is associated with the word GIS. Analysis techniques, data, design tools and regulatory standards: what is your priority?
Why do I offer online GIS courses?
Find out why I chose to offer online GIS courses and the challenges of managing an e-Learning platform. An analysis of the costs, difficulties and benefits for those seeking training in d
Why is data important?
Data is essential for analysis and development. In Italy, direct and unbureaucratic access to public-administration data is still limited, slowing professional and entrepreneurial work.
Will the School Mobility Manager be a flop?
Critical analysis on the introduction of the School Mobility Manager provided for by law no. 221/2015, with doubts about skills, organization and practical applicability.