Field work, especially mapping, is the primary data collection tool in Earth Sciences. Various datasets can be acquired: (i) rock and fossil samples for laboratory analyses (i.e. age determination, geochemical composition, structural characterization), (ii) direct observation of rock’s position, nature and structure (i.e. geologic mapping, stratigraphic section, sedimentological information), (iii) remote measurements that are sensitive to the structure and physical properties of rocks (i.e. electric resistivity, seismics, radar) (iv) geophysical fields and sources (i.e. gravimetry, magnetics, seismology) and (v) paleontological samples with contextural information on community assemblage, sedimentology and paleoenvironment.
