Spatial development intensity (SDI) is widely used to evaluate land development and human activity intensity in territorial space. With rapid global urbanization and industrialization, its measurement, regulation and sustainability have attracted extensive attention. Nevertheless, inconsistent concepts, indicator systems and measurement methods have led to fragmented research. This paper reviews the conceptual evolution, indicator systems and measurement methods of SDI, and compares domestic and international research paradigms. Early studies mainly adopted single indicators, while recent studies tend to use multidimensional comprehensive systems combined with remote sensing, GIS and spatial econometric models. Challenges still exist in spatial heterogeneity, resource-environment carrying capacity and planning application. Future research should strengthen multi-source data integration, spatial modeling and planning practice to support refined regulation and sustainable development.
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