Planetary Data System (PDS), a platform to archive and distribute all planetary data sets by NASA, is fundamental to research and developments on planetary science. Standards, data organizations, processing program of the PDS, which were jointly established by planetary institutions and universities, have become a footstone for storage and application of THE PDS. Accordingly, the profound research on these standards is a basis of understanding and applying these data sets. Starting from the PDS science significance and its initial goals and missions, this study analyzes especially PDS storage structures and then presents the most convenient and practical data application methods and practical experiences regarding to usage of software and tools. At last, this study illustrates the procedure of data processing and results through a real example and proposes consideration for future developments of the PDS, in hope of providing an important reference for Chinese planetary scientists to construct the similar planetary data system platform. Meanwhile, the PDS, as a more comprehensive data system platform, will provide an important basis for construction of China’s Earth science data system.