Purpose This paper aims to promote the integration of the relative position accuracy (RPA) measurement and evaluation in digital assembly process by adopting the model-based method. An integrated framework for RPA measurement is proposed based on a model-based definition (MBD) data set. The study also aims to promote the efficiency of inspection planning of RPA measurement by improving the reusability and configurability of the inspection planning. Design/methodology/approach The works have been carried out on three layers. In the data layer, an extended MBD data set is constructed to describe the objects and data for defining RPA measurement items; In definition layer, a model based and hierarchical structure for RPA item definition is constructed to support quick definition for RPA measurement items. In function layer, a toolset consisting three modules is constructed in a sequence from measurement planning to RPA value solving to visualized displaying again. Based on this framework, a prototype system is developed. Findings The paper provides an identified practice of model-based inspection. It suggests that MBD is valuable in promoting both the integration and efficiency of digital inspection. Research limitations/implications The templates and constructed geometry objects given in this paper are still limited in a scenario of aircraft assembly. The integrity and universality of them still need follow-up works. Practical implications The paper includes implications for the model based digital inspection, the digital assembly and the extended application of MBD. Originality/value This paper expands the application of MBD in inspection and fulfils the need to promote the integration and efficiency of digital inspection in large-scale component assembly.