The primary tool in estimating tropical cyclone intensity is to analyze the imagery of meteorological satellites over the vast tropical ocean, where few in situ observations are available. By using a set of empirical rules, the Dvorak technique relates cloud patterns and particular parameters derived from imagery to current tropical cyclone intensity. An introduction is made to the backg round of the Dvorak Technique and its main methods, and a summary is made of the advancements of the Dvorak technique in both China and other countries besides its advantages and disadvantages in application. It is pointed out that the Dvorak Technique is the main tool in most of the tropical cyclone forecast centers worldwide presently, and the prospects of the Dvorak Technique are also discussed.