Abstract: Based on the data of DMSP/OLS and NPP/VIIRS nighttime light data, and combined with the socio-economic statistics, the spatial pattern of urban space in Henan Province was analyzed through the extraction of the built-up area. At the same time, the theoretical model of the center of gravity was introduced to identify the economy, population and light center of gravity trajectory evolution, in order to compare the analysis of urban space expansion. The findings can be summarized as follows：①The urbanization process of northern city cluster which take Zhengzhou as the core is fast, the spatial expansion relationship between Zhengzhou and Kaifeng closely. ②The development level of east - west in Henan Province is higher than that in north - south direction, the central plain area develops better than the southwest mountain city, and the overall expansion is concentrated. ③Light center of gravity mainly transfer to the northeast, consistent with the direction of economic focus shifted, while the direction of the center of gravity shift significantly deviated. ④Good correlation exists between night light intensity and built-up area. At the same time, the correlation between economic development and nighttime light intensity & built-up area is higher than that between population and nighttime light intensity & built-up area.