Based on the analysis for the main elements of the total modulation transfer function (MTF) of imager on geostationary platform, the precise evaluation for its low spatial frequency spectrum has been achieved. Meanwhile, it is pointed out that the main cause of imagery spatial resolution lower than the designed value is the "slight defocus" of imager focal plane array (FPA). The validation method for visible imagery spatial resolution is proposed based on the analysis of defocused optical system model and edge-spread-function (ESF), the relative error is less than 7% after alleviating stray light effects. This method has been applied in the in-orbit ground testing of FY-2C geostationary meteorological satellite successfully.