Deformation measurement and analysis play an important role in geotechnical model tests. Using the concept of quadrilateral isoperimetric element, the strain filed was achieved from the calculation method based on displacement modes, and the verification results show that this measurement technique has a reliable precision. The soil deformation in model test of square shallow foundation was measured by using this technique, and the results show that the measurement system based on digital image correlation method can realize the whole process quantitative measurement of soil displacement field and shear strain filed. This deformation measurement technique provides a tool for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of soil micromechanics characteristics.