The measure of sustainable development has always been an important subject. The ecological footprint analysis initiated by William E.Rees, Canadian ecological economist, and Wackernagel Mathis, the former' s postgraduate has gradually become popular on account of the measuring indexes based on ecologically productive area, innovative thoughtway and it' s wide adaptability. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the conception, area-based indicators and computation of ecological footprint analysis systematically. And then it' s application is discussed through the introduction to the ecological footprint of 52 countries and districts. Finally the paper discusses the method and forecasts its application.