This study was conducted based on the data of TM/ETM+,combined with the DEM and soil type of Xi'an City,and supported by RS and GIS technology.By taking soil erosion dynamics and its countermeasures as study object,factors of slope,vegetation cover,and land use,as well as other factors in 1988,1997,and 2002 were extracted.According to soil erosion interpretation,a soil erosion map was drawn by the ARCGIS and spatial characteristics of soil erosion and its trend in future were analyzed.Results are shown as follows.(1)The area for light erosion presented a decreasing trend from 1988 to 2002 and the area for moderate erosion increased from 26.83% in 1988 to 37.03% in 2002,showing a significant upward trend.(2)Spatial distribution pattern of soil erosion in Xi'an City changed little in the past 14 years.Compared to 1988,the most obvious change in 1997 was the soil erosion around the city.The expanded area of light and moderate soil erosion in 2002 was greater compared with 1988 and 1997,mainly in Bailu Plateau,Shaoling Plateau,and the periphery of the city.(3)Combined with spatial variations of soil characteristics in Xi'an City,five measures restoring ecological environment,such as scientific planning and comprehensive management,were proposed to provide a reference to soil erosion control.