Bilder Geospatial Information Authority of Japan (GSI) (Established 1869) – Map of Nishinomiya – Japan – Lithograph (20th Century)

Beskrivning

"Nishinomiya." This lithograph presents a technical topographical survey of the city of Nishinomiya, located in the Hyogo Prefecture between Kobe and Amagasaki. The cartography provides a comprehensive record of the region’s diverse geography, depicting the transition from the rugged, mountainous terrain of the Rokko range in the north to the densely populated coastal plains in the south. Technical details include the delineation of river systems, urban grid patterns, and significant transportation infrastructure that facilitated the area’s post-war development. This work was published in Japan as part of a systematic national mapping project designed to provide accurate geographical data for urban planning, land use management, and disaster prevention. The plate serves as a precise scientific record of Nishinomiya’s spatial organization and environmental features during the mid-twentieth century.

The Geospatial Information Authority of Japan, known as GSI, is the national institution responsible for the surveying and mapping of the Japanese archipelago. Founded during the Meiji era to aid in the nation’s modernization and administrative reform, it became the primary source for standardized topographical data across the country. Throughout the twentieth century, the GSI integrated traditional ground-based surveying with advancing aerial photography and photogrammetry to produce highly accurate maps for both military and civilian use. Its extensive archive of regional maps offers a definitive visual history of Japan’s urban expansion, industrial growth, and changing natural landscapes. The GSI remains a cornerstone of Japanese scientific administration, ensuring the consistent and technical documentation of the nation’s physical and political geography for official and public reference.

Artist or Maker: Geospatial Information Authority of Japan (GSI).

Dimensions: Approximately 45 cm x 56 cm.

Medium: Lithograph.

Date: 20th Century.

Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.