Development of GIS Studies in Japan

Abstract

GIS studies in Japan started to develop in the 1970s. At this time, quantitative geographers committed to GIS, and came to grips with methods to implement quantitative analysis, together with computer mapping. In the 1980s, spatial analysis with GIS emerged. With the spread of PCs at the beginning of the 1990s it became possible even for non-GIS specialists to use GIS; hence, empirical studies using GIS became popular in various fields of geography. Previously, GIS research in Japan was dominated mainly by GIS theories and techniques from the West, but with the advent of the 21st century, GIS research originating from Japan could also be found. In order to advance further GIS research, it is necessary to implement studies closely related to society. It is important to understand the needs of the public and citizens precisely, and to put research into practice that makes use of GIS for the benefit of Japanese society. Armed with refined GIS techniques, new methodological approaches are expected to affect positively urban planning and regional policy.