Ion-current density is a significant indicator of electromagnetic environment under high voltage direct current lines. To improve measurement accuracy and convenience, this paper concluded factors that affect measurement results and a wireless measurement method was proposed. Wilson plate kind of sensor was designed according to the IEEE standard. The ion current was measured and digitalized by the measurement device, and the signal was transmitted to the computer via wireless sensor networks. The data were analyzed and recorded by automatic measurement software. Finally, the measurement system was calibrated and some field tests had been performed, the results show that the measurement system possesses the merits of good accuracy, simple structure, convenient operation, and high stability and reliability. The maximum current measurement error is less than 3%. INDEX TERMS Electromagnetic environment, ion-current density measurement, wireless sensor network, HVDC transmission line.