 This paper explores the potential of unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV, laser scanning, ULS, technology in detecting ancient micro topography over wooded areas for archaeological prospect ion. The study compares ULS with manned ALS technology and outlines existing mainstream survey grade UAV-based laser scanners, data processing and visualization approaches. Case studies were conducted at three cultural heritage sites in Xijiang province, China using two representative ULS systems, which were verified by on-site investigation. The paper suggests that ULS technology can be a cost-effective and flexible solution for micro topography detection in wooded areas and has promising prospects in archaeological applications. This article was authored by Wei Jiu, Fulongchen, Huodonghua, and others.