Abstract: We proposed a new method for sharing symbols between different GIS platforms by virtual machine technology.The symbol system consists of three parts: symbol virtual machine,virtual machine articulated plug-in,and symbol design tools.Symbol virtual machine is a software simulated machine,which has virtual hardware and corresponding instruction system.Symbol virtual machine is independent of any specific GIS platform,responsible for dealing with GIS platform-independent function of symbolization.Symbol virtual machine articulated plug-in connects the symbol virtual machine with the GIS platform.Hence,the GIS platform can call symbol virtual machine to do symbolization.Symbol design tools are used in the production of symbols.When producing symbols,we only target at symbol virtual machine,not target at specific GIS platform.Thus,the symbols can be shared in all GIS platforms articulated symbol virtual machine.