In order to avoid some errors in distance measurement, e.g. due to physical characteristics, environmental influences, human errors etc. during the measurement process, visual measurement and modern digital image related processing techniques are used. This requires the creation of relevant image acquisition systems and the detection of the edges of the acquired images using specialised procedures, on the basis of which the differences between the basic points of the image edges are brought into the measurement equation. The values obtained prove that the final results of this measurement method are consistent with the actual values, proving the accuracy of digital image correlation processing techniques in distance measurement. Digital image processing technology is a derivative of advanced manufacturing technology, and the rapid development of computer technology has led to the development of digital image recognition and image analysis capabilities. Engineering survey research is mainly applied in the process of engineering construction and engineering management, which can greatly reduce the error of engineering manufacturing and the period of engineering inspection. Based on digital image processing technology, this paper proposes an engineering displacement measurement method, an industrial part size measurement method and an industrial thread standard measurement method. Compared with the traditional manual measurement technology, the use of digital image technology can shorten the working period and improve the working efficiency.