A comprehensive investigation of the subsidence induced in the area of Bologna (Italy) by groundwater extraction is presented. Initially, the geological pattern of the region is  reviewed  in  order  to  identify  the  large  scale  subsoil  features  governing  the  water  flow  regime and the ground displacements. Several types of data, covering the different aspects of the problem are then combined into a Geographical Information System and interpolated data  by  means  of  geostatistical  analyses.  A  detailed  reconstruction  of  subsidence  over  the  considered area is accomplished by processing available topographical measurements. The subsoil  stratigraphy,  the  physical,  hydraulic  and  the  mechanical  characteristics  of  the  different   geotechnical   units   are   estimated   by   integrating   the   results   of   available   geotechnical site and laboratory investigations. The groundwater regime is investigated by correlating the water head measures recorded on several pumping wells distributed over the area of Bologna. A groundwater flow simulation model has been finally formulated in order to  derive  the  undisturbed  pre-existing  water  level,  to  identify  the  effects  of  the  actual  groundwater  withdrawal  and  to  predict  the  modifications  induced  by  possible  future  exploitations.