Abstract: By presenting the composition of the crustal deformation observation system and the development of the observation techniques, we show the space-time characteristics of the different observation techniques, the advantage of the application of the optical fiber and long-baseline strainmeter and the integrated technique. It was found that the strain recorded by the 1500 m laser strainmeter constructed at Gifu Prefecture, Japan are nearly consistent with the calculated values based on the continuous GNSS stations of the GEONET (GPS Earth Observation Network). Some earthquakes can cause abnormal strains. The strainmeter is more sensitive to the environments. In practical work, we should develop the advanced techniques, use various observation techniques and research method and increase the monitoring density. It will improve the spatial and temporal resolution and promote the identification ability of the earthquake precursory characteristics and better serve scientific mitigating the disasters.