9:00 AM - 9:15 AM
[HTT15-01] Spatial analysis of Inoh Tadataka's expeditionary survey in early modern East Japan (1800-1803)
★Invited Papers
Keywords:historical GIS, spatial humanities, Inoh Tadataka, surveying
Mapping in the early modern era posed significant challenges due to technical limitations, underdeveloped transportation systems, and the primitive nature of surveying tools. Inoh Tadataka, an early modern Japanese surveyor, worked under such conditions, navigating rugged terrain, complex coastlines, and variable climatic environments. This study critically examines how specific geographic conditions influenced Inoh's surveying methods, decision-making processes, and overall efficiency. While historical research on surveying and cartography has focused extensively on technological advances and national motives, less attention has been paid to the impact of geographic conditions on surveying practices.
This study addresses this gap by utilizing Inoh's detailed diaries, which document his daily progress, survey distances, and time spent per route. Using a GIS-based approach, we reconstructed Inoh's travel routes during his expeditions in eastern Japan and systematically analyzed the relationship between geographical conditions: such as topography, climate, and local environmental features, and his surveying activities.
A key finding of this study is that difficult terrain, including steep slopes and cliffs, as well as adverse weather conditions, frequently caused delays in surveying activities. In addition, Inoh's route decisions were influenced not only by geographic challenges, but also by economic and political factors. For example, government support played a crucial role in facilitating his expeditions, influencing strategies such as short stays and efficient surveying methods in the early stages of his work.
This study contributes to the growing field of spatial humanities by emphasizing the importance of integrating physical geography and socio-political dimensions in understanding historical surveying activities. By applying historical GIS techniques, the study advances the theoretical framework of the spatial humanities by demonstrating how geographic and spatial factors influenced human behavior and decision-making in the past. The study highlights the value of combining spatial analysis with historical research to provide a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics between space and society.
This study addresses this gap by utilizing Inoh's detailed diaries, which document his daily progress, survey distances, and time spent per route. Using a GIS-based approach, we reconstructed Inoh's travel routes during his expeditions in eastern Japan and systematically analyzed the relationship between geographical conditions: such as topography, climate, and local environmental features, and his surveying activities.
A key finding of this study is that difficult terrain, including steep slopes and cliffs, as well as adverse weather conditions, frequently caused delays in surveying activities. In addition, Inoh's route decisions were influenced not only by geographic challenges, but also by economic and political factors. For example, government support played a crucial role in facilitating his expeditions, influencing strategies such as short stays and efficient surveying methods in the early stages of his work.
This study contributes to the growing field of spatial humanities by emphasizing the importance of integrating physical geography and socio-political dimensions in understanding historical surveying activities. By applying historical GIS techniques, the study advances the theoretical framework of the spatial humanities by demonstrating how geographic and spatial factors influenced human behavior and decision-making in the past. The study highlights the value of combining spatial analysis with historical research to provide a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics between space and society.