AbstractScanning airborne laser altimetry, usually referred to as LiDAR, generates high spatial resolution, high accuracy elevation data. The technique has found considerable use in the earth sciences, for example for flood modelling and prediction. This paper examines some geoarchaeological applications for LiDAR in alluviated landscapes. The LiDAR data for several lowland river valleys in England are examined. The technique has considerable potential for identifying archaeologically significant geomorphological features through examination of the microtopography of floodplain and terrace surfaces and for mapping upstanding archaeological earthworks. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.