[Objective] The influence of topography and land use on the soil erosion rate of dam-controlled catchments was analyzed in order to provide a theoretical basis for soil erosion control and soil and water conservation measures in a loess hilly and gully region. [Methods] A high-resolution digital elevation model (DEM) and image data for catchments were obtained by use of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry technology. Topographical factors and land use of the catchments were accurately extracted. Partial least squares regression was used to determine the impact and relative importance of topography and land use on soil erosion rate in dam-controlled catchments. [Results] The variation range of soil erosion rate in dam-controlled catchments was 2 869~14 191 t/(km²·yr), with an average value of 9 984 t/(km²·yr). Differences existed in topographic and land use factors in dam-controlled catchments. Significant correlations (p＜0.01) were observed between LS factor and L factor; connectivity index (IC) and topographic wetness index (TWI); catchment area (A) and watershed length (BL) and shape factor (Ff). From the partial least squares regression of soil erosion rate, the maximum VIP value was detected for the slope length factor (VIP=1.66; RCs=0.30), followed by topographic wetness index (VIP=1.62; RCs=0.25), LS factor (VIP=1.43; RCs=0.27), connectivity index (VIP=1.39; RCs=-0.19), percentage of agricultural area (VIP=1.03; RCs=0.10), and percentage of grassland area (VIP=1.03; RCs=-0.10). [Conclusion] There were significant differences in soil erosion rate in the dam-controlled catchments. Slope length factor, LS factor, topographic wetness index, connectivity index, percentage of agricultural area, and percentage of grassland area were important factors influencing soil erosion rate, with all having VIP values greater than 1.