Initial alignment technology is directly related to the navigation accuracy and startup time of the strap-down inertial navigation system (SINS), and has always been regarded as a challenging focal point in the research field of inertial navigation. This paper makes a comprehensive survey of SINS initial alignment technology, briefly introduces the basic principles of initial alignment without latitude, coarse alignment with known latitude and precise alignment, and points out their advantages, disadvantages and applicable conditions. The research and effects of existing initial alignment error suppression techniques are then analyzed and discussed. Finally, according to the problems of existing initial alignment methods and the development requirements of the carrier, the future research direction of SINS initial alignment technology is predicted.