Abstract: Reflected in-seam wave can be used in one roadway to detect the abnormal geological structures such as faults in some area on both sides of the roadway or in front of tunneling. In this paper, the data and processing method of the reflected in-seam wave were compared based on the 2 different detection areas on side of the roadway and in front of tunneling. In particular, the technical principles, applicable conditions and research progress of three imaging methods of reflected in-seam wave were analyzed and sorted out, including the stack imaging, migration imaging and advance imaging of tunneling face. Besides, the typical cases of reflected in-seam wave in the detection of faults, goafs and collapse columns on the side of roadway and in front of tunneling were summarized, and proposed the directions for further improvement of the detection capability: Study of the deconvolution method suitable for the dispersion of in-seam wave to the effective compression of the reflected in-seam waves and the accurate migration according to the dispersion velocity to enhance resolution of image. We use polarization processing find the polarization direction of in-seam wave thus reducing the arcing phenomenon. We draw on beam migration technology to selected in-seam wave in specific direction for imaging to improve the signal-to-noise ratio. Study of the geological conditions and acquisition conditions affect the strength of reflected in-seam wave effectively enhance the reflected wave without increasing the seismic source energy. Moreover, the new seismic source should also be developed to improve the safety and applicability of the detection application of the in-seam wave. The future application directions of reflected in-seam wave was prospected for the purpose of promoting the development of reflected in-seam wave detection technology and better guarantee the safe and efficient mining of coal mines.