Sismoelettrica Srl, a Florence-based company, investigates the subsurface before drilling or construction begins. We provide applied geophysics, hydrogeology and geotechnical services using our own equipment, from the surface to depths of up to 1,000 m.
Sismoelettrica carries out indirect ground investigations (geophysical, geoelectrical, seismoelectric and electromagnetic surveys); in-situ investigations using CPT, CPTE, CPTU and DPSH penetration tests; exploration for aquifer, geothermal and petroleum reservoirs; borehole geophysical surveys; and video inspections to depths of up to 1,000 m. The data support engineering, hydrogeology, environmental geology, archaeology and natural-resource projects.
Aquifer and geothermal reservoir exploration: where and how deep to drill, using geoelectrical and seismoelectric surveys, TDEM and borehole logs.
Discover the service →2D and 3D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), vertical electrical soundings (VES), induced polarisation (IP) and self-potential (SP).
Discover the service →Vertical seismoelectric soundings and hydraulic-conductivity and porosity tomography to identify aquifer levels.
Discover the service →Seismic refraction and reflection, MASW, HVSR, ESAC and Down-Hole.
Discover the service →30-channel MALÅ ground-penetrating radar: 3D volumes and depth slices of buried utilities, cavities and structures.
Discover the service →Subsurface geometry, faults, deep aquifers and geothermal structures imaged with multicoverage stack sections.
Discover the service →Vp and Vs profiles in boreholes using a triaxial geophone, with Vs,eq calculated according to NTC 2018.
Discover the service →Aquifers, fractures and conductive features surveyed using VLF and TDEM, including the TEM2Go backpack system.
Discover the service →CPT, CPTE, CPTU, DPSH, DL30 and seismic cone tests using a Pagani TG 63-200 penetrometer.
Discover the service →Well casing inspections using a colour camera to depths of up to 1,000 m.
Discover the service →Multiparameter, fluid physicochemical, sonic and caliper logs in boreholes and wells.
Discover the service →Multi-method programmes from satellite data to drilling targets, and prospectivity-mapping software in development.
Discover the service →A single block of subsurface showing all the methods we use: from the surface to the borehole, each technique measures a different property, and together they build a consistent model of aquifers, geothermal reservoirs and mineralised bodies. Tap a number to open the service.
A surface impact generates P-waves and S-waves that travel through the layers and refract and reflect at interfaces. Geophones record each arrival, and the shot record forms in real time: this is the data we use to derive subsurface velocities, thicknesses and geometry.
Our in-house equipment range is expanding with two systems that make surveys of the near surface and shallow aquifers faster and more continuous.
A time-domain electromagnetic system carried by two operators, with wireless transmitter and receiver units 15–20 m apart, GPS on both units and real-time inversion. It can survey around 1 km of profile in 10–15 minutes, with an investigation depth of up to approximately 75 m.
This complements deeper sTEM and WalkTEM2 TDEM soundings (200–600 m). Electromagnetic surveys
An antenna array acquires dozens of closely spaced parallel profiles in a single pass. Using GNSS or total-station positioning, we produce a continuous 3D volume and depth slices showing buried utilities, tanks and cavities. The equipment is owned by Sismoelettrica.
Four investigation stages, each covering a smaller area at a higher level of detail. Each stage concludes with a decision point—to proceed, revise the approach or stop—and the results are delivered in GIS format for verification by the client.
1,000–10,000 km²
Multispectral and hyperspectral imagery (Sentinel-2, ASTER, PRISMA, EnMAP), radar and digital terrain models, together with geological maps, airborne geophysics and well records. We identify lineaments, alteration and areas for further investigation.
10–100 km²
Over selected areas, drone-based magnetometry and gamma-ray spectrometry (K, U, Th) are carried out using VTOL fixed-wing and multirotor platforms operated by specialist technology providers. The anomalies narrow the search to a few sectors.
1–10 km²
Gravimetry, TDEM, ERT/IP tomography and seismoelectric soundings investigate anomalies at depth; geochemical analysis of soil, sediment, rock and water, in collaboration with the University of Florence, helps confirm their nature.
Drilling location
Data are integrated into a model with associated uncertainty; targets are ranked and borehole or well locations defined. We monitor drilling using borehole geophysical logging and video inspection.
A well drilled in the wrong place costs as much as one drilled in the right place. For aquifer and geothermal reservoir exploration, we combine electrical resistivity tomography, seismoelectric soundings and, where needed, TDEM soundings, correlating the results with the geology and existing wells in the area.
The result is a report with 2D and 3D models and practical recommendations: the proposed drilling location, the aquifer or geothermal levels to target, the recommended depth and an alternative location. Once the well has been drilled, geophysical logs and video inspection verify the formations encountered and the quality of the installation.
The data provide a subsurface map of geological, geotechnical and hydrogeological features—not just a single isolated measurement.
From surface geophysical surveys to hydrogeological and geotechnical analysis, through to visual inspection of completed water-capture structures.
Our own equipment—a Pagani penetrometer, 96-channel MAE georesistivimeter, SARA seismograph, TDEM systems and TEM2Go, and MALÅ multi-antenna ground-penetrating radar—combined with a single team reduces handovers and waiting times.
Collaborations with the University of Florence and the University of Siena, and innovative methods such as seismoelectric surveys and permeability and porosity tomography.
We work for private clients, companies and public bodies, and welcome new collaborations with professionals and technical consultancies.
Our operational base, equipment store and technical office are in Florence. From here, we organise surveys, data processing and reporting.
Our portable equipment enables us to carry out surveys and in-situ tests throughout Italy.
Hydrogeological research and mineral exploration using a multi-method approach, with a particular interest in East Africa. International projects · Mineral exploration
Public bodies, construction companies, engineering firms and businesses in the water sector.
Technical mission and meetings with the Geological Survey of Tanzania, the Ministry of Minerals and the University of Dar es Salaam (October 2025).
Read the press coverageLocation, objective and timescale: with this information, we can propose the most suitable methods for the geological setting and provide a detailed quotation.
Sismoelettrica's services, methods and equipment in one document, to read offline or forward to colleagues.
