Abstract: Transmission line is an essential part of power grid construction. Regular inspection is essential to ensure the stable operation of transmission lines. This paper focuses on the requirements for intelligent inspection of transmission lines. Firstly, different inspection methods of transmission lines are sorted out, and the system framework equipment and intelligent algorithms required in the intelligent inspection are introduced. The intelligent inspection methods based on traditional image processing and deep learning are summarized. Secondly, the relevant intelligent inspection methods are summarized for various faults existing in the transmission lines, and the comparative analysis is carried out through the evaluation index. Finally, the research difficulties are sorted out, and prospects in the development trend of transmission line inspection based on deep learning method are put forward. The intelligent inspection method of transmission line proposed and summarized in this paper is of guiding significance in many fields.