The environmental effect of the urban spatial compactness of Chinese cities is unclear. In this study, indices of urban pipe network facilities, urban road and traffic facilities, and ecological synergy were established. Morphological indices of normalized compactness index (NCI), normalized dispersion index (NDIS), largest patch area index (LPI), landscape shape index (LSI), mean shape index (SHAPE_MEAN), and perimeter-area fractal dimension (PAFRAC) were used to statistically analyze the single factor environmental effects, comprehensive environmental effect, and difference in environmental effects of the urban spatial form of 146 cities. The results showed that (1) the per capita urban road area, density of water supply pipe, density of drainage pipe, bus vehicles of 10000 people, taxis of 10000 people, and per capita park green area were closely related to the urban spatial form. A higher urban compactness was associated with a lower density of the urban pipe network, fewer public transport facilities, and lower per capita park area. A more complex urban form was associated with a higher density of the urban pipe network system, greater investment of public transport, and larger per capita park area. (2) The comprehensive environmental factor was positively correlated with LSI (r=0.43, P<0.01). A more complex urban spatial shape was associated with a greater investment in urban resources and environment-related facilities. (3) The significant difference between bus vehicles of 10000 people, taxis of 10000 people, density of water supply pipe, and comprehensive environmental factor at different levels of compactness and shape-complexity again showed that a more compact city showed greater development of traffic, a more complex city, and greater environmental investment. These results support the more compact urban form and higher economic resources. The compact urban spatial form can be applied to urban construction in China.