The development history of major space-charge measurement technologies is reviewed. Advantages and disadvantages are analyzed regarding the electron beam, thermal pulse, pressure wave, pulsed electroacoustic wave, electrooptic Kerr effect, and Pockels effect methods. Measurement technologies are discussed further with regard to principles, know-how, and milestones of development. With the pulsed electroacoustic method as an example, a deconvolution technique is introduced, as it is needed to quantify the density of space charge in a material. Potential applications of these technologies to measure the distribution of space charge in dielectrics and electrical insulation materials and systems are addressed. By the electrooptic Pockels effect method, two-dimensional discharge patterns on the surfaces of cellulose Kraft paper and Nomex T410 paper were measured and reported for the first time. With the progress of the technologies, it appears that today, sensors can be made to measure quantitatively the distribution of space charge in dielectrics and electrical insulation systems.