Abstract: Hierarchical partition of study area is the base for establishing Multi-resolution elevation model. In order to building Multi-resolution model of the earth surface, the existent partition methods of spherical surface ware analysed, and a hierarchical tessellation meshes of WGS84 ellipsoidal surface based on quaternary triangular meshes(QTM) is put forward. The area and side length of the multi-resolution meshes on different levels is also calculated and analysed. It is regular, continuous and hierarchical nesting that make it meet the need of multi-resolution digital elevation modeling of earth surface.