Through the analysis of the current civil engineering cartography teaching status, regarding competition as the breakthrough point, a general education core course "production of three-dimensional architectural modeling arts" is set up. From software selection, subject setting, teaching methods, checking and accepting, students are organized to draw two dimensional drawing in the ZwSoft environment, to create three dimensional modeling in the Sketchup environment. These teaching activities inspire students' innovative design thinking, strengthen students' team cooperation ability, and improve students' artistic appreciation level. Students' two dimensional drawing conforms to the national building standards, students' comprehensive practical ability is improved, and more students win award in the competition.