Reflection seismology is based on the analysis and processing of reflected waves upon geological boundaries. The reflections depend on density and seismic velocity contrasts. Sections can highlight stratigraphic boundaries, tectonic features, dips, faults or folds.

In theory, the investigated depth is not correlated to the size of the seismic spread. However, the imaging depth depends on ambient noise; therefore, it depends on the power of the seismic source. A prior evaluation of the targeted depth, terrain difficulty and efficiency allows an adequate choice in acquisition geometry (source, trace spacing, shot spacing). A weight drop of 400kg from a tractor is the most frequent method as it is rapidly implemented.

For a very high resolution in the first tens of meters, state-of-the-art microvibrators (P- and S-waves) can be used. Such equipment, coupled with a high receiver density, are able to answer most of the shallow geological issues along with geotechnical problematics.