According to the characteristics of 3D visual simulation in ship handling simulation, the research on 3D visual simulation in Yangshan port area in Shanghai is carried out. Based on the electronic terrain image provided by Google Earth, Digital Elevation Model (DEM) is generated through the processing of contour line and vectorization method, and an intuitive 3D terrain model of Yangshan port area in Shanghai is established by Multigen Creator, which is then rendered and driven by Vega's 3D visual rendering function. Based on contour map and vectorization method, the method of 3D visual model is studied. According to the method, the 3D visual model database of Yangshan port area in Shanghai can meet the requirements of crew's practical practice in terms of model precision, fidelity and realtime operation.