The XMM-Newton SSC survey of the Galactic Plane

The XMM-Newton Survey Science Center is currently conducting an optical identification programme of serendipitous EPIC sources at low galactic latitudes. The aim of this study is to quantify the various populations contributing to the overall X-ray emission of the Galaxy and elaborate identification rules that can be later applied to the bulk of the low galactic latitude EPIC detections. We report here on preliminary results from an optical campaign performed in two very low b XMM-Newton fields and discuss the contributions of the various X-ray populations. This paper is presented on behalf of the Survey Science Center and of the AXIS collaboration.