Abstract: It is necessary to find out the goaf formed by small kiln mining for the subsequent space development, treatment and utilization. There are many methods to detect the goaf of small kiln, which are limited by the differences of geological conditions and the limitations of different detection methods. In order to systematically understand the detection effect and take into account the economy, through the analysis and comparison of the control effect of three common geophysical methods in the study area, namely three-dimensional seismic, transient electromagnetic and radon measurement, the advantages and disadvantages of various methods are understood, and a technical roadmap is pointed out for the detection of small kiln goaf.