The purpose of this study is to determine the depth of occurrence of groundwater and to evaluate the groundwater level distribution in the oasis and desert ecotone. In this research

on the basis of the regression analysis of groundwater levels and soil water content data measured in the field

a model of groundwater level distribution using remote sensing （GLDRS） was established using Landsat 7 ETM+ image

by dint of practical work and field data examination. To obtain water content of soil precisely using Landsat 7 ETM+image

which is related to the remote measurement of groundwater level

the concept and model of optical vegetation cover is led in. \;The results of the experimental teste of the GLDRS model in the oasis and desert ecotone of Qira county

Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region are discussed. A good correspondence （correlation coefficient is 0.901） was obtained between the groundwater level at control points

where direct measurements were made

and those derived from Landsat 7 ETM+data. Groundwater level distribution in the whole ecotone was evaluated and presented in the form of thematic maps.