Abstract: Through theoretical analysis of observation principle of total station polar coordinate method and taking fault similar material simulation test as an example, we discuss the application of total station polar coordinate method in similar simulation test of overburden rock migration monitoring. The results show that the method can obtain the displacement coordinate of specific test point accurately during every exploitation stage, and calculate the horizontal and vertical displacement. The measurement accuracy of total station polar observation method can meet the need of similar simulation test, and it can accurately determine the fault activation time, measure the amount of fault activation, reflect the migration law of overlying strata and provide theoretical guidance for actual production, which is an effective method of observation in similar material simulation test.