Abstract: The localization ability of sensor nodes has a great impact on the performance of wireless sensor networks. To this, this paper proposes an artificial bee colony optimization localization algorithm (CMABC) with chaotic mapping in three-dimensional wireless sensor networks. First, the RSSI model is used to obtain the measured value of the target node and the beacon node. Based on the three plane location method, the initial set of target nodes is calculated. Then, several chaotic mapping functions are studied and used as initial solutions to generate functions and optimization functions. Finally, the improved artificial bee colony optimization algorithm is used to optimize the position of target nodes. In order to verify the performance of CMABC algorithm, a simulation experiment is carried out. The simulation results show that the algorithm is superior to artificial bee colony algorithm and particle swarm optimization algorithm in positioning success rate and accuracy.