In this paper

three traditional 3D imaging approaches called 3D imaging with beaded plate

projection-type 3D display and holograhpy are introduced first; then the metheds generating 3D stereoscopic imaging with computer are emphatically reviewed

including autostereoscopic display techniques which are intensitively dealed with by researchers in recent years;finally

the application of 3D stereoscopic imaging technique in aerospace

industry

education

medicine and national defense etc. are described and the main directions of 3D stereoscopic imaging technique in the future are predicted.