Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 October 2007
Spectra of FGK stars were selected from the SDSS–DR5 spectroscopic database to investigate the Age-Metallicity relation and the [Fe/H] and [α/Fe] vertical gradients in the Milky Way. Atmospheric parameters and [α/Fe] were derived by comparing synthetic and measured Lick/SDSS spectral indices. Results were checked and complemented by analyzing solar neighbourhood stars. Spectroscopic distances and ages were obtained for a subsample of ~2000 stars using theoretical isochrones via a Bayesian approach. The resulting Age-Metallicity diagram and the [Fe/H] and [α/Fe] vertical gradients are presented.