Against the backdrop of smart grid development， an overview of the distribution automation pilot projects undertaken in recent years is given and a detailed analysis and description of the technologies involved in these projects is provided. The overview includes the overall goal of distribution automation， technology path and construction principles. The analysis focuses primarily on various technologies concerning the basic requirements of the distribution grid and equipment， distribution automation system architecture， configurations and features of master station/terminal units， information exchange as well as means of communication. The paper also offers a comprehensive examination， comparison and summary on various application effects of these projects delivered including economic benefits， managerial benefits， social benefits and technology advancement. The significance of distribution automation to the scientific management of distribution grid and smart grid development is explained and emphasized. Furthermore， various issues exhibited in the distribution automation are highlighted and solutions to these issues are offered.