The development of patch near-field acoustic holography (Patch-NAH) has been rapid in recent years. Compared to the traditional NAH techniques, the Patch-NAH method possesses the advantage of solving engineering problems, and is especially suitable for reconstructing partial sound fields and for obtaining other acoustic parameters. After introducing the origin and basic algorithms of Patch-NAH, this paper classifies the Patch-NAH methods into four different types according to the extent of innovation and the applicability of the methods themselves. The principles, developments and current research status of these methods are then introduces. Finally, this paper indicates the developing trends and the general research interests around Patch-NAH techniques.