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.