Measurement is quantifying, evaluating, or accessing various physical quantities. Dimensional measurement is the most important factor determining a manufactured component's quality. There are 3 forms of measurement – manual, contact automated, and noncontact automated measurement. Manual measurement is when an operator performs a measurement using handheld instruments. Even if one person performs inaccurate measurements this leads to inaccuracy and hence the quality of the part is compromised. To overcome this human error, automated measurement systems were developed. In automated measurement, a part is placed within the system and the measurements are performed without human intervention. Hence improving the accuracy and reliability of the measurement process. Measurement systems have become the backbone of the manufacturing industry today. Various methods and technologies are used to develop these measurement systems. This comprehensive literature survey focuses on non-contact measurement systems. It also highlights the advances in these measurement systems, and how non-contact measurement systems have an upper hand over contact-based systems along with case studies on related research work presented for non-contact measurement in various fields.