Abstract: Geospatial data usually refers to information materials describing the occurrence and evolution of natural phenomena and social and historical events.With the diversification of access channel,standardization of acquisition process,and the refinement of sampling granularity,the geospatial data show the following characteristics:the diversification of attribute description,the temporalization and spatialization of feature distribution,and the hierarchy of structure relation.The classic statistical analysis software and geographic information system(GIS)are difficult to exploit the complex relationship patterns and structural features implied in geospatial data.Based on the effective fusion of visual design and data mining model,visual analysis technology interactively guide the users to analyze and explore the above characteristics of hidden objects,processes,events in the geospatial data.Therefore,this paper reviews the related research on the visual analysis of geospatial data.Firstly,we introduce the design and application of visual elements such as point,line,surface and body from the perspective of visual element mapping.Secondly,from the perspective of the organizational form of geospatial data,we summarize the advanced technologies and methods with respect to significant multidimensional,temporal-spatial and hierarchical features of geospatial data.Further,applications of the geospatial data visual analysis technology in the natural environment,urban traffic,human economy and other fields are illustrated.Finally,the future development trend of geospatial data visual analysis is prospected.