Abstract: A multi-scale registration method was presented for aerial image and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data. Multi-scale registration refers to a "from coarse to fine" and progressive registration strategy based on scale-space theory. Area morphology was used to build the scale-space. The methodology includes two parts: first, registration in coarse scale with surface patch and second, registration in fine scale with linear feature. In this proposed method, the search for matched lines was simplified as a result of progressive registration strategy. The automaticity was improved. Besides, the area morphological scale-space was used to improve the accuracy of extraction of the registration primitives. This method was verified with experiment.