Nicola Masini (born 1965) is an Italian scientist with CNR,[1] noted for his work on exploring traces of Andean civilizations in Peru and Bolivia using spatial technologies and Remote Sensing.
His dominant scientific interest is the application and the development of new approaches to archaeological research by integrating satellite remote sensing, LiDAR and geophysical prospecting.
[6][7] The most remarkable achievements of the ITACA Mission [8] are the discovery of a settlement on the riverbed of the Nasca (2008),[9] a number of findings in some of the Cahuachi temples (2008-10),[10] the monitoring of archaeological looting in South and North Peru (2011),[11] and study of the ancient channeling in Pachacamac (2012-14).
The research conducted between 2013 and 2015, using remote sensing, along with Giuseppe Orefici and Rosa Lasaponara, put in evidence a spatial, functional, and religious relationship between these geoglyphs and the temples of Cahuachi.
[12] Since 2013, he has been chief advisor of a research project with the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Henan (China) focusing on the use of digital space technologies for archaeological investigations and the management of cultural resources.