In this paper, the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) was adopted for describing the landforms of the Shanghai foreshore, the data structure of DEM was studied and designed, and the problems arising form the storing, querying and indexing of the cloud data were solved efficiently. On such a basis, the multi-year foreshore digital terrain models were built. The methods for foreshore landform analysis were put forward by use of the models. The analytical system of foreshore landforms has been established by integrating these models and methods with Geographic Information System. It is shown from the application of the analytical system that its data structure is reasonable, its function is consummate, and its operation is rapid and stable. The system can meet the needs of foreshore management.