Abstract: This paper takes the application study of remote sensing and GIS in the comprehensive development planning in Hongshan district,Wuhan city,as an example to describe the characteristics of being complicated and dynamic in an urban system.The use and the advantage of aerial remote sensing for urban survey and the applications of GIS for diagnosis,analysis,evaluation,planning and management of an urban system are also discussed.The emphasis is put on the spatial planning based on system engineering and the rationality of land use.