On the basis of TM images and GIS, RS technology, basic database on rocky desertification in the northwest Guangxi was built. The relationship between rocky desertification and related factors at different scales was analyzed, and the spatial distribution pattern of rocky desertification and its difference between scales were explored by using multiple stepwise regression analysis and redundancy analysis (RDA). The results showed that the influence of natural factors on the distribution of rocky desertification was greater than that of the social factors, and the influence of human activity gradually increased with increasing grade of rocky desertification. Decisive factor changed with scale in determining the spatial distribution of rocky desertification. At the county scale soil types played a decisive role, for example, stony soil had most contribution on rocky desertification. At the town scale, both landform and land use pattern were the most important factors. The importance of impact factors in decreasing order was: montanic proportion＞average elevation＞bare rock land＞limestone soil＞unutilized land＞rocky soil. Extremely strong rocky desertification was caused by human activity at both scales. Due to the scale difference of decisive factor in regulating the distribution of rocky desertification, it was necessary to abide by the distribution pattern when deploying the tasks on recovery and control of rocky desertification.