An empirical method aimed at generating maps of potential of geothermal energy exchange for shallow vertical closed-loop systems is proposed here. The method uses both geological and technological information. In particular, the ground parameters that mainly influence the heat transfer in borehole heat exchangers, the energetic parameters driving efficient operations of geothermal systems and heating and cooling requirements of a typical residential building are taken into account. Spatial modeling is carried out in a Geographic Information System leading to an effective and easy-to-use digital cartographic tool. An application of the method to four regions of southern Italy is also shown. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.