Higher standards for assembly quality and precision have been introduced with the development of next generation aircraft toward massive, heavy duty, and extended life. High precision measurement of geometry and physical damage in assembly is the basis and key to regulating the aircraft assembly process and ensuring the assembly standard, which has an important influence on the service performance of the aircraft. With a focus on the requirements of the new generation of aircraft with the significant rise in structural size and the development of composite bearing structure, this paper discusses the development of large space point location high precision measurement method, large structure shape high precision measurement method, composite structure assembly defect high precision detection technology, and other aspects of theoretical research and technology application at home and abroad, and indicates the future development trend and prospect of relevant technology.