通过对地学空间信息研究背景及其内容的分析，认为数字地球是人类空间信息革命的序幕。并结合数字地球的关键技术，提出了数字地球的全球层、区域层以及国家层的实现模式。文章还对数字地球的应用领域展开了讨论，认为数字地球是人类下个世纪经济增长的关键，并是人类适居社区等建设的决策信息支柱。

Through the analysis to the research background and content of geospatial information, the authors present the point that digital earth is the beginning for people to enter the spatial information age. Considering the key technologies of digital earth, the authors also give the model that digital earth should be implemented via global level, regional level and national level. In the 21st Century, it can and must be an engine for economic growth, and digital earth will act key role for the development. Digital earth will also be the main information resource for decision makers to establish liveable communities.