The automatic generation of single-line diagram in the scalable vector graph（SVG） format for distribution feeder systems based on the common information model（CIM） data is studied. A hierarchical sub-bus data model designed for the conventional distribution feeder system single-line layout is proposed and the conversion method from CIM oriented data is discussed. The two object-oriented diagram cells with features for diagram automatic configuration， i.e. the master-bus cell， and sub-bus cell， constitute a hierarchical self-description diagram model， with the diagram parameters including those of diagram operation calculated in an inversely recursive manner and the sub-SVG text or diagram leaf generated at the same time. Therefore， the whole SVG text can be assembled subsequently. This method makes it possible to completely bypass the crossover and overlap in principle owing to its space monopolizing layout feature. With the automatic generation of single-line for the power system and the automatic addition of control specifications for cells， the automatic engineering configuration will be greatly improved. The method proposed has been verified in a county power grid in Zhejiang Province.