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.