Various implementations directed to a method and apparatus for initialization of a wellbore survey tool are provided. In one implementation, a method may include positioning a survey tool at a predetermined orientation relative to a directional reference system, where the survey tool is configured to acquire continuous survey data while disposed within a wellbore, and where the survey tool comprises a drop survey tool, a wireline survey tool, or a slickline survey tool. The method may also include using the directional reference system to generate a first signal indicative of an orientation of the directional reference system with respect to a reference direction. The method may further include using the first signal to determine an initial orientation of the survey tool with respect to the reference direction. The method may additionally include moving the survey tool after the initial orientation of the survey tool has been determined.