The exploration method of transient Rayleigh wave is a new seismic me-thod for quick and economical determination of Rayleigh wave velocity in rockand soil layers. The actual shear wave velosity is calculated using Rayleighwave velosity. In this paper, the principle and field testing technique of thisexploration method is described. Several case studies are cited to illustrateits utility. Finally, the advantages of this method are discussed.