Abstract: In order to accurately guide farmland irrigation, reasonably optimize canal system water transmission and distribution, and improve the utilization efficiency of water resources, management level and overall benefit of irrigation area. The preparation method of water use plan in irrigation area was studied theoretically. The preparation process of water use plan was summarized into two parts: real-time irrigation prediction and canal water distribution. Based on the understanding of water use planning in domestic irrigation areas, it mainly focuses on the methods of real-time irrigation prediction using soil water balance equation. Summarize the acquisition methods of predicted values and calculated correction values of various parameters. Analyze and compare the application scope of various methods in irrigation districts. Extract and purify the applicable methods in real-time irrigation prediction in general irrigation areas. In order to optimize the water distribution sequence and quantity of field canal system, so as to ensure the timely and effective irrigation of crops. The common canal water distribution models in domestic irrigation areas, discussed the selection principles of objective functions and related constraints, and pointed out the limitations and possible development trend was summarized. The research results can provide reference for the real-time irrigation prediction and establishment of optimal water distribution model in each irrigation area.