This paper introduces the characteristics of structured-light-based three-dimensional (3D) measurement technology, including its non-contact nature, high accuracy, and high flexibility. It reviews the principles and recent research progress of fringe structured-light illumination techniques for 3D surface measurement in complex scenes, with particular emphasis on a series of studies conducted by our research group to improve measurement accuracy and efficiency. Application cases of fringe structured-light-based 3D measurement are analyzed in the areas such as large-scale fossil fault planes, high-dynamic-range workpieces, high-speed kinematic processes, and large-aperture and smooth optical components. The challenges faced by 3D surface measurement technology based on structured-light illumination are further discussed. It is pointed out that future advancements can be achieved through deep interdisciplinary integration, thereby further enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of fringe structured-light-based 3D measurement, overcoming existing technical bottlenecks, and enabling highly reliable and digitized 3D measurement in a wide range of extreme and complex environments.