With the rapid development of computer technology and global positioning system,UAV measurement has been gradually applied to engineering.Compared with the traditional measurement,it has the characteristics of high accuracy,fast speed and small labor intensity.This paper analyzes the structure composition and working principle of UAV system,summarizes the main process of UAV measurement,and studies the results of UAV aerial photography data registration,leveling calculation and quality evaluation methods.On this basis,combined with the actual situation of linear engineering survey,the application of UAV measurement in linear engineering survey is discussed to provide reference for the further promotion of UAV measurement technology in the future.