Hyperbolic distributed parameter systems (DPS) represent a large number of industrial processes with spatially nonuniform operating variable profiles. Research has been conducted to develop high-performance control strategies for these systems by exploiting their high-fidelity models. In this paper, a feedback control method that yields improved performance is proposed for DPS modelled by first-order hyperbolic partial differential equations (PDEs) using the method of characteristics. Simulation results show that this method can provide effective control for the systems modelled by a scalar PDE as well as a system of PDEs. Further, it can efficiently compensate the effect of model-plant mismatch and effectively reject the disturbances. (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier Ltd.