Abstract: A novel urban area real-timedetection algorithm and its realization based on embedded platform were proposed in this paper. According to the characteristic of urban areas which is made up of artificial construction distinguishing feature, the detection algorithm includes three parts. These are image preprocessing, feature points selection and urban area extraction. The algorithm was decomposed and mapped on the embedded platform based on the analysis of its processing time and operation characteristics. And the algorithm was implemented through the way of parallel flowing water.The urban area detection algorithm has been successfully experimented on the airborne platform and can meet the need of real-time and automatically detection.