The land-use and Disaster Management of Minamikomatsu from the Edo to Early Meiji Eras Based on Ezu maps from Minamikomatsu, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan

Abstract

In this study, we conducted a survey using the old pictorial maps of Minamikomatsu, in order to identify the land-use, vegetation change, and disaster history situation of the satoyama from the Edo to early Meiji eras. As a research object resource, we used 56 old pictorial maps created from the Edo to early Meiji eras that are stored in Minamikomatsu, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture. As a result of the analysis, we were able to see it became clear trend showing that wilderness conditions spread around various rivers, lakes, and the lagoon from the Edo to early Meiji eras. These areas also showed evidence of historical flooding, and that they were flooded. In addition, people at the time were taking measures against flood damage by building embankments. Furthermore, since pine trees were distributed along the lakeside and rivers, it was thought that these areas had a natural wilderness environment at that time where pine forests spread out, despite being disturbed by flood damage.