The invention relates to an elevator space detection method. The elevator space detection method comprises the following steps: S1, a mark which is arranged in an elevator in advance is identified; S2, whether a zone occupied by the mark is void or not is judged, and if yes, the zone can be occupied by an automatic moving device. The invention also discloses an elevator space detection device. Byadopting the detection method and the device which are low in cost, whether the space in the elevator is large enough to be occupied by the automatic moving device or not is judged; the automatic moving device can use the elevator when no people or only a few people are in the elevator; the problem that the automatic moving device and personnel use the elevator at the same time is solved; use efficiency of the elevator in idle hours is improved; a special elevator for the automatic moving device does not need to be built separately; and elevator improvement cost is reduced.