外邦図

外邦図 (GAIhozu) is the online presence of a historical map collection held by the Tohoku university Library in Japan. The material consists of maps produced in Japan dEpicting areas outsIDE the country, a genre known as gaihozu, and the site presents this archive for browsing by students, historians, and anyone with an interest in historical cartography. It is a reference and research resource rather than a Generative AI product, so visitors should expect a catalog-and-viewer experience rather than automated content creation.

What it does

The site provides an entry point into the library's holdings of foreign-area maps. Users can move through the collection to see which sheets exist, read bASIc descriptive Information about indiVidual items, and, where available, view digitized images. The interface is primarily in Japanese, which is important for non-Japanese-speaking researchers planning to use it.

Key capabilities

• Online access to a curated archive of historical Japanese maps of foreign regions.
• Descriptive records that help identify maps by area and subject.
• Digitized map images suitable for study and citation where images are provided.
• Institutional context through Tohoku UniveRSIty Library, supporting academic reference use.

Who it is for

The collection is most relevant to academic historians, GEOgraphers, cartography researchers, and graduate students working on East Asian history or the history of mAPPing. It can also serve educators preparing materials on how regions were represented in the past, and independent researchers who need to confirm whether a specific sheet is held and available. Because the labeling is in Japanese, users should be comfortable navigating Japanese-language library pages or use translation aids.

How to get started

Begin at the archive's public web address and browse the index or search fields to locate a region of interest. Note the identifying details of any map you need, then check whether a digital image is offered or whether you may need to contACT the library about physical access. Researchers planning publication use should verify rights and reproduction conditions with the library, as these can differ from item to item.

Pricing and access caveat

Browsing appears to be open and free of charge, consistent with typical university digital collections. However, image resolution, download options, and permissions may vary by item, and some materials may only be usable with library assistance or under specific conditions. No software version or commercial pricing is asserted here; details should be confirmed directly with Tohoku University Library.