Usng laser ablation (LA) for sample introduction in ICP – mass spectrometry permits analysis of solid samples. As the diameter of the laser beam can be varied (>100 to <5 µm) and the penetration per shot is <1 µm, spatially resolved analysis is enabled. LA-ICP-MS can be used for 2-D mapping, i.e. to visualize the distribution of elements in a sample, but several shortcomings are identified. We aim at bringing this tool to the next level by focusing on specific aims. 1. Observation of the signal shape obtained upon a single laser pulse for a variety of elements, matrices and ablation cells will provide insight into transport of the LA-generated aerosol. This insight will be used for developing a deconvolution protocol to correct for tailing and other aberrations, to “sharpen” the resolution. 2. Introduction of simultaneous Mattauch-Herzog ICP-MS will render LA-ICP-MS from a single/oligo-element approach into a full multi-element approach. As the information is originating from exactly the same location for all nuclides, also better quality in terms of resolution and of elemental and isotope ratios will be realized. Mathematical protocols will be developed for handling the immense data sets thus generated. 3. We aim to extend the mapping approach to 3-D by optimizing LA sampling and ICP-MS aerosol handling with glass as model matrix – both manufactured glass samples (e.g., fully homogeneous or multi-layered) and archeological glass with a corroded surface are available.