We present a time and space resolved emission spectroscopy technique that enables a full characterisation in three dimensions density of emitting species generated by femtosecond pulsed laser ablation. Applied to Al neutral atoms, it reveals a population that, at the lowest fluences used, can be roughly described by a half range Maxwell-Boltzmarm function. This simple configuration evolves towards a more complex population as the energy density increases. Specificities connected to the measured emitted spectral rays are evidenced and taken into account. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.