Geologist · Rome, Italy — 41.9028° N, 12.4964° E

Reading the seafloor,
mapping the subsurface.

Independent geologist specialising in mineral exploration, marine geophysics and geological data analysis — from survey design to final interpretation.

Services

Three fields, one discipline.

Focused consultancy across the full life of a geological project, on land and at sea.

Exploration

Mineral Exploration

Target generation, field campaigns and deposit evaluation for potash, base metals and industrial minerals — from regional reconnaissance to drill-ready prospects.

Offshore

Marine Geophysics

Geophysical route surveys, seabed mapping and hazard assessment for subsea cables, interconnectors and pipelines across the Mediterranean and beyond.

Data

Geological Data Analysis

Processing, quality control and interpretation of geological and geophysical datasets, delivered as clear, decision-ready reports and maps.

Methodology

From raw signal to geological meaning.

  1. 01

    Data acquisition

    Survey design and field acquisition tailored to the geological question, offshore or onshore.

  2. 02

    Processing

    Rigorous processing and quality control to turn raw measurements into reliable datasets.

  3. 03

    Analysis

    Integration of geophysical, geological and geochemical data to reveal structure and pattern.

  4. 04

    Interpretation

    Clear geological models and recommendations that support engineering and investment decisions.

Selected projects

Past projects.

A selection of marine and onshore work — from subsea cable routes and port surveys to mineral exploration campaigns.

Marine Onshore
Marine

Medusa landfalls — inshore geophysical survey

Nearshore geophysical surveys at the Medusa cable landfalls of Mazara del Vallo (Italy), Algiers and Collo (Algeria), supporting cable landing and burial design.

Marine

Bathymetric survey — new port of Fiumicino

Bathymetric survey of the new port of Fiumicino, delivering high-resolution seabed models to support design and dredging works.

Marine

ROV environmental survey — Ponza archipelago

ROV-based environmental and seabed inspection across the Ponza archipelago for the Infratel fibre-optic network.

Marine

MiMo link — Montalto di Castro–Milano

Marine geophysical route survey for the MiMo electricity interconnection between Montalto di Castro and Milan: seabed mapping and hazard assessment along the corridor.

Onshore

Geological investigations — Pedemontana Marche

Geological investigations for ANAS along the Pedemontana Marche expressway, from field surveys to ground models supporting road design.

Onshore

Seismic reflection — potash, Khemisset

Seismic reflection survey for potash exploration in the Khemisset basin (Morocco), imaging the evaporite sequence to guide drilling.

Onshore

Gravimetric survey — manganese, Imini–Ouarzazate

Gravimetric survey for manganese exploration in the Imini district near Ouarzazate (Morocco), mapping density anomalies to define drill targets.

Onshore

Geoelectrical survey — cavity assessment, port of Safi

Electrical resistivity survey for cavity detection and ground assessment at the new port of Safi (Morocco).

Marine Onshore

NMGP — Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline

Seismic and geoelectrical surveys for the Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline: offshore route sections and onshore segments in Morocco.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions.

What does Gianluca Ottaviani do?

Gianluca Ottaviani is an independent geologist based in Rome, Italy. He offers consultancy in three fields: mineral exploration, marine geophysics and geological data analysis, covering the whole project from survey design and data acquisition to processing and final geological interpretation.

Which geophysical methods are used?

Projects have used seismic reflection, gravimetric surveys, geoelectrical (electrical resistivity) surveys, high-resolution bathymetry, nearshore geophysical route surveys and ROV seabed inspections, chosen according to the geological question and the site, offshore or onshore.

Where does he work?

He is based in Rome and works across Italy, the Mediterranean and Africa. Past projects include the Medusa subsea cable landfalls (Italy and Algeria), the new port of Fiumicino, the Ponza archipelago, the Pedemontana Marche road, and exploration and infrastructure surveys in Morocco and along the Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline.

What kind of projects can he support?

Typical work includes route surveys and hazard assessment for subsea cables, interconnectors and pipelines; bathymetric and geophysical surveys for ports; geological investigations for roads and infrastructure; and exploration campaigns for potash, manganese, base metals and industrial minerals.

How can I start a collaboration?

Write to info@gianlucaottaviani.com with a short description of the project, the site and the timeline, or connect on LinkedIn. A first call is used to define the geological question and the most suitable survey approach.

Contact

Let's explore a collaboration.

Whether you are planning an offshore survey, an exploration campaign or need a second pair of eyes on your data — I'd be glad to talk.