Abstract The authors made quantitative investigation and evaluation on the distribution and the capcity of shallow underground space resources of the old city district (62.5km²) of Beijing for reasonable development. The study provides important and overall basic information for reasonable use of underground space of Beijing. In the investigation, the subject emphasises the application of aerial remote sensing technique, it provides a effective and scientific modern means for the investigation.The shallow underground space of the city is affected by three factors-use condition of existing ground surface, underground space and geological condition of the shallow layer of underground. It is basic content of the investigation.