Streamline visualization is an important method of flow visualization. It can directly represent the structure and flow trend of the flow field. However, when streamline visualization is used in the three-dimensional flow field, inappropriate rendering methods, selection methods, and presentation methods will lead to poor expression ability of visual results, and it is difficult for users to efficiently obtain flow information. In order to fully reflect the research progress of illustrative methods in 3D streamline visualization, this paper systematically reviewed the representative papers at home and abroad over recent ten years ago. First, the related concepts of illustrative visualization methods were introduced, and then the applications of illustrative methods such as visual perception enhancement, visibility management, and focus + context in 3D streamline visualization were summarized and classified, and the advantages and disadvantages of each method are discussed. The illustrative method of visual perception enhancement refers to that when perceiving the world, human beings make full use of all the visual information. Visibility management refers to the improvement of the overall visibility of data by reducing confusion and occlusion through such means as clustering and selective visualization, thus optimizing the visual space. Focus + context emphasizes which part is the area of special interest, that is, focus, and highlights it. For less important areas, namely, context, it is utilized to provide background. Focus + context technology highlights the characteristics of the data rather than the overall structure. Finally, the application of illustrative methods in 3D streamline visualization is summarized and analyzed. The problems and challenges in streamline visualization were presented, and future research directions were prospected. 

"> 3D streamline visualization, visual perceptual enhancement, visibility management, focus + context, 3D flow visualization, illustrative visualization