In the movies and TV works of military genre, we often see commanders standing in front of a terrain model to discuss the battle plan. According to the topographic map, aerial photo or field terrain, and according to a certain proportion, the sand table model is a model made of sediment, war chess and other data.

沙盘模型分为简易沙盘模型和性沙盘模型。简易沙盘模型是用泥沙和兵棋在场地上临时堆制的；性沙盘模型是用泡沫塑料板（或三合板）、石膏粉、纸浆等资料制造的，能长时间保存。沙盘模型具有立体感强、形象直观、制造简便、经济实用等特色。

Sand table model is divided into simple sand table model and permanent sand table model. The simple sand table model is made up of sand and wartime on the site. The permanent sand table model is made of foam plastic board (or three plywood), gypsum powder and pulp, etc., and can be stored for a long time. Sand table model has the characteristics of strong three-dimensional sense, intuitive image, simple manufacturing, economic and practical.

沙盘模型的用途广泛，能形象地显示作战区域的地形，表示敌我阵地组成、军力部署和兵器装备等状况。军事指挥员常用以研讨地形、敌情、作战方案，组织协同动作，施行战术演练，研讨战例和总结作战经验等。沙盘模型还常用来制造经济发展规划和大型工程建设的模型，其形象直观，颇受计划决策者和工程技术人员的青睐。

Sand table model has a wide range of uses. It can visually display the terrain of the combat area, and show the composition of the enemy and our positions, the deployment of military forces, weapons and equipment, etc. Military commanders often discuss terrain, enemy situation and operational plan, organize cooperative actions, implement tactical exercises, discuss operational cases and summarize operational experience. Sand table model is also often used to make models of economic development planning and large-scale engineering construction. Its image is intuitive and favored by decision makers and engineers.

在心思治疗和检测方面，沙盘模型被广泛的应用于发现并处理心思方面的问题，在心思医生的指导下，被治疗者或被检测者随自己的志愿设置沙盘模型内的情形，由心思医生依据患者摆的情节或样子来判别某些心思方面的东西.

In the aspect of psychotherapy and testing, sand table model is widely used to find and deal with mental problems. Under the guidance of the psychotherapist, the person who is being treated or tested sets up sand table model according to their own wishes, and the psychotherapist judges some mental problems according to the plot or appearance of the patient.