The Institute of Methodologies for Environmental Analysis (IMAA) is part of the Department of Earth and Environment of the Italian National Research Council (CNR). To-date IMAA is the only institute of the CNR network with its headquarter in the Basilicata Region consisting of aResearch Area in Potenza and a Research Laboratory in Marsico Nuovo, Agri valley).

The research activities of IMAA have always been devoted to the development  and integration of satellite, airborne and in-situ “Earth Observation” technologies in order to study environmental and geophysical processes.

The activities of IMAA are carried out within four thematic areas:

•     Earth observations from ground, aircraft and satellite aimed at studying atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and their interactions in meteo-climatic applications and risk forecasting, prevention and mitigation;
•     The chemical-physical characterization of soil and subsoil;
•     The development of new environmental monitoring techniques based on the integration of in situ and remote sensing chemical-physical, biological and geological methods;
•     Integrated methodologies for environmental planning and modelling, data management and interoperability of geospatial data.

The multi-disciplinary approach has been the key for the improvement of observing capability to study  environmental and geophysical processes characterised by a high level of complexity. This approach fits both the main strategic actions of GMES (Global and Monitoring and Environmental Security) Programme and the GEOSS (Global Earth Observation System of Systems) implementation plan.

Over the last three years (2008-2010) IMAA researchers:

•     Have published more than 150 articles on ISI journals, with an average IF of 1.9;
•     Have suggested and performed activities in the framework of 20 FP6 and FP7 EU-funded projects;
•     Have taken part in several projects funded by the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR), the European Space Agency (ESA) as well as other national/international agencies and bodies;
•     Have supported as “Centro di Competenza” (Centre for Technological and. Scientific services, development and transfer) the Italian Department of Civil Protection;
•     Have started up two national industrial research projects and promoted technology transfer activities (patents, spin-off);
•     Have promoted higher education activities in cooperation with universities (Ph.D. programs) and have been involved as tutors in more than 50 fellowships, research fellowships, on-the-job training, etc. 

Slide show: Scientific Highlights