Since more and more 3D models are developed for applications
the technique for content-based 3D model shape matching become more and more important
and researches have presented kinds of 3D model shape matching algorithms. In this paper
a comprehensive survey of the up-to-date methods and technologies for content-based 3D model shape matching algorithms is presented. The system framework of 3D model retrieval system is first introduced. Then the primary key techniques of 3D model shape matching
including anisotropy transform
coordinate normalization
online-based shape matching
topological-based shape matching
visual-based shape matching
and some. At experimental results with a 3D model database that contains 2 533 3D models
are analyzed the studying progress in this field
proposes a few weaknesses in 3D model shape similarity matching research field
and future areas of research are also put forward.